RSV vaccine free for older adults and infants

By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

York Region is offering free RSV vaccines to all adults aged 75 or older, as well as infants up to 8 months old during their first RSV season.

This immunization campaign is part of Ontario’s RSV prevention program to protect high-risk groups across the province.

Adults aged 60 to 74 may qualify for a vaccine if they either live in a long-term care home, retirement home, or elder care lodge; are hospitalized and receiving alternate level of care; have glomerulonephritis and a weakened immune system; are receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; received a solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants; are homeless; or identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

High-risk children up to 24 months old may also qualify, including those with chronic lung disease, hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, severe immunodeficiency, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis causing respiratory issues or growth delay, neuromuscular disease impairing mucus or saliva clearing, or severe congenital airway anomalies impairing mucus or saliva clearing.

Older adults can get vaccinated at York Region public health clinics and long-term care and retirement homes. Infants can get vaccinated at hospitals. Both groups can get vaccinated at some doctor or nurse practitioner offices and some walk-in clinics, but York Region advises people to check whether they offer vaccines and whether an appointment is required beforehand.

People who previously received an RSV vaccine do not need an additional dose as the vaccine provides multi-year protection.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.

People are most likely to contract the virus during RSV season, which is generally from November to April.

Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, decreased appetite, wheezing, and fever. Young infants may only experience irritability, decreased activity, and breathing problems.

Young children and older adults with conditions such as asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, and a weakened immune system are at greater risk of developing more serious symptoms.

Most RSV symptoms should disappear within a week, but anyone with prolonged or worsening symptoms, as well as those who are not drinking enough fluids, should seek medical care. Anyone experiencing breathing problems should seek immediate help.

“Every fall and winter in Canada, thousands of older adults are hospitalized as a result of RSV infection,” said Dr. Sarah Erdman, associate medical officer of health at York Region. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious RSV complications.”

To learn more, head to www.york.ca/newsroom/campaigns-projects/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv.

Photo: York Region is offering the RSV vaccine for free to various high-risk groups right now.