Ontario is expanding the eligibility to receive the free RSV vaccine this season to include anyone 75 years old and older.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) said in a news release this expansion comes a year after the vaccine program was introduced to protect infants and newborns. EOHU medical officer of health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis said he welcomes the expanded access.

“The vaccine is highly effective and protects older adults from the worst outcomes of RSV, preventing the tremendous stress that severe RSV illness and hospitalization puts on families,” Roumeliotis said.

According to Immunize Canada, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically causes cold-like symptoms. For most people, the illness is generally mild. However, Immunize Canada notes infants younger than six months old and adults older than 65 are at increased risk.

The province already offers the publicly funded vaccine to people between the ages of 60 and 74 who are experiencing circumstances like living in a long-term care home or receiving continuing care in hospital. It is also available to people in that age bracket who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. 

The EOHU says adults between the ages of 60 and 74 ineligible for the program can still access the vaccine through their pharmacy with a prescription from a health-care provider.

RSV is listed as a leading cause of hospitalization for infants, and the health unit said in rare cases it can be life-threatening.

The treatment for infants consists of a one-dose injection the EOHU said is highly effective at providing immediate protection from RSV for at least six months, when infants are most vulnerable. The EOHU said it can arrange an appointment for children without a health-care provider.

What are the symptoms? 

RSV is common around the world and circulates every year between fall and spring. 

According to Immunize Canada, the most common symptoms are:

  • coughing
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • wheezing
  • fever
  • crackling when breathing
  • a decrease in appetite and energy

More severe cases can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.