Toronto —Ontario is expanding its publicly funded Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization program to cover everyone aged 75 and older, a move the government says will help protect vulnerable seniors and ease pressure on the province’s health-care system during the upcoming respiratory illness season.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones announced the expansion on Wednesday, describing it as a proactive measure to reduce hospitalizations among older adults.
“Our government is ensuring the most vulnerable have access to the tools they need to protect themselves and their family during respiratory illness season,” said Jones. “We’re once again expanding RSV immunization which will now include everyone 75 years of age and older so we can help protect more seniors and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations this fall and winter.”
Expanded Eligibility
Until now, RSV coverage in Ontario has been limited to specific high-risk groups, including adults aged 60 to 74 living in long-term care or retirement homes, infants up to eight months in their first RSV season, and high-risk children up to 24 months in their second RSV season. Pregnant women have also had access to the vaccine Abrysvo®, which provides passive protection to newborns.
Beginning this fall, the program will expand to all Ontarians aged 75 and above, making Ontario one of the first provinces to offer broader RSV protection to seniors through public funding. Eligible infants and high-risk children will continue to receive the Beyfortus® immunization, while pregnant women can opt for Abrysvo®. More information on how and where the vaccines will be administered will be shared in the coming weeks.
“As we prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season, it’s essential that we take proactive steps to protect those most at risk and reduce pressure on our health-care system,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Ontario’s RSV immunization programs for infants, high-risk children, high-risk adults over 60 and everyone aged 75 and older is a critical part of our strategy to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications, especially among those most vulnerable to respiratory infections.”
Health and Economic Benefits
RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs. While many cases are mild, infection can be severe for babies and older adults, sometimes leading to pneumonia or bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization. It can also exacerbate chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Health officials and hospital leaders say expanding coverage to older adults will help seniors remain independent longer while preventing costly emergency room visits.
“At Sunnybrook, we see every day how important it is to protect seniors’ health so they can live independently for longer,” said Dr. Karen Fleming, Chief of Family and Community Medicine at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “Expanding access to the RSV vaccine gives older adults in our community an important tool to prevent serious illness, reduce emergency hospital visits, and maintain their quality of life.”
Industry and Health Partners Respond
Vaccine manufacturers also applauded Ontario’s decision, noting the importance of public immunization programs in reducing health system burdens.
“Sanofi applauds the Government of Ontario on the expansion of the RSV immunization program as another positive step to protect public health,” said Delphine Lansac, General Manager, Vaccines, Sanofi Canada. “Beyfortus® helps protect all babies from the risk of RSV disease and reduces its burden on the health-care system.”
Pfizer Canada echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role of prevention in long-term health outcomes. “Expanding access to RSV immunization for all individuals aged 75 and older is a vital step in helping Ontario seniors stay healthy and avoid serious complications,” said An Van Gerven, President of Pfizer Canada. “When Canadians have access to quality health care and can live healthy lives, they are better able to participate fully in society and help reduce the burden on our health-care systems.”
Ontario Health’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Chris Simpson underscored the broader system benefits. “RSV immunization is safe and extraordinarily effective. This vaccine coverage will save lives and help to improve quality of life for older Ontarians by reducing the risk of serious illness and complications,” he said. “It also will reduce the number of hospitalizations, which means more capacity in our health-care system during the always busy winter season.”
Broader Immunization Strategy
The announcement is part of the province’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which focuses on prevention and access to services. Ontario continues to encourage residents to stay up to date on routine immunizations, including influenza and COVID-19, with details on fall vaccination schedules expected later this year.
Public health experts say ensuring vaccination records are current is especially important as children return to school. Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act, students are required to provide proof of immunization against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough.
By broadening RSV coverage, the government says it is taking a preventive approach that will protect individuals while also helping stabilize a health-care system that faces seasonal surges every winter.
