The province is expanding its Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) program, offering free immunization to all individuals aged 75 years and older ahead of the upcoming respiratory illness season.
Starting this fall, RSV immunization will now be available through Ontario’s publicly funded programs, building on last year’s expansion which offered vaccines to more infants, high-risk children and pregnant women.
"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 Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health in a release. "We’re once again expanding RSV immunization... so we can help protect more seniors and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations this fall and winter."
There were 200 RSV outbreaks reported in Ontario from September 2024 to end of March 2025.
The immunization is also available to certain high-risk adults aged 60 to 74 (like residents of long-term care homes or retirement homes), infants up to eight months of age in their first RSV season, high-risk children up to 24 months of age in their second season, and pregnant women.
"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.
The province says routine and recommended immunizations help prevent the spread of serious diseases throughout communities, reduce medical visits and keep people out of the hospital.
To lean more, visit Ontario's RSV program page.
