What is RSV
RSV is a virus that causes a respiratory infection with symptoms presenting as fever, cough and shortness of breath. For most people this virus causes mild symptoms that can be managed conservatively.
However, for vulnerable populations such as premature and infants under 1 years old, immunocompromised and people over 60; they can develop more serious infections that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Unfortunately; over the last few years we have seen a rise in more of these people being hospitalized from this infection.
RSV Vaccine
There is an RSV vaccine that is available for the following populations:
-
People over 60 years of age
-
Children under 2
-
Pregnant people
The common side effects of the vaccine include pain at the injection site, rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and joint aches.
If you have severe allergies to any of the vaccine ingredients, they are recommending you not get the vaccine.
How To Get The Vaccine
SENIORS
Currently, the Ontario government is providing the vaccine for free for those people 75 years and older and those who are high risk between 60 to 74 years of age.
For those people 60 to 74 years old who are still living in the community and not in the high risk category must purchase your vaccine, the cost of which is between $250 to $300. You require a prescription which you can get by booking an appointment with your physician.
You only need ONE DOSE in your lifetime, so if you have received the vaccine in previous years you do not need any further doses.
You can book an appointment with nursing through our ONLINE BOOKING
INFANTS
For those born during RSV season (after Oct 10, 2026) they will receive it in the hospital.
For those children born after April 1, 2026 and are less than 8 months old can receive their RSV vaccine in our clinic. It can be completed with their other routine vaccines or separately if you would prefer.
For those children under 2 who are eligible can receive it at our clinic. Please see the additional link for further information.
You can book an appointment with nursing through our ONLINE BOOKING
PREGNANT PEOPLE
You can receive the vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks. (You can get it the same time you get your pertussis vaccine). As we need to order based on demand please contact the clinic when you are 22 to 26 weeks so we can order a vaccine if you are interested. You can call reception and then asked to be passed back to nursing to leave a voicemail to get a vaccine.
If you receive the vaccine in pregnancy, in most situations your baby DOES NOT need to receive a vaccine when they are born. Please notify your health provider at the hospital of your vaccine status.
You can book an appointment with nursing through our ONLINE BOOKING
