Southeast Public Health: RSV Vaccine is Now Available

Press Release – Southeast Public Health

The Ontario government has expanded the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program to include all individuals aged 75 years and older, helping to protect those most vulnerable during the upcoming respiratory illness season. Older adults, particularly those with existing health conditions, are more susceptible to severe disease and have an increased risk of RSV-related hospitalization and death.

The Southeast Public Health recommends that those who are eligible for RSV protection get vaccinated this respiratory season.

“The RSV vaccine is safe and effective in helping prevent serious disease from RSV infection in high-risk populations, like for those over the age of 75,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for SEPH. “It’s important for those who meet the eligibility criteria to take this opportunity to protect themselves from serious complications of the virus.”

Eligible individuals include those who are:

• 75 years of age and older
• 60 to 74 years of age, who meet high-risk criteria, including:
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, or Elder Care Lodges
• Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC)
• Patients receiving dialysis
• Solid organ or stem cell transplant recipients
• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

Where can I get my vaccine?

Speak to your health-care provider about getting your RSV vaccine. Currently, pharmacies do not administer RSV immunizations as part of Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program.

If you do not have a health-care provider, SEHU is offering RSV vaccine clinics across the region for eligible individuals. Appointments can be booked for the following clinics:

Smiths Falls - Southeast Public Health Immunization Clinic (25 Johnston Street)

• Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, November 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brockville - Southeast Public Health Immunization Clinic (458 Laurier Boulevard)

• Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kemptville - Seniors Community Services (215 Sanders Street, Suite 101)

• Friday, November 21, 9 a.m. to noon

Appointments can be booked on the SEPH website – www.SoutheastPH.ca or by calling 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2323.

Do I need another dose if I received the RSV vaccine last season?

If you received an RSV vaccine previously, you do not need another dose this season. Studies show multi-year protection from the vaccination, and the timing for future doses is still under review.

For more information about the RSV vaccine, and the infant RSV vaccination program please visit www.southeastph.ca/health-topics/respiratory-season-vaccines/.