In July of 2024, the Ministry of Health announced significant expansion of the RSV program in Ontario.
We have compiled a comprehensive set of resources designed to support both you and your patients for this exciting program that will help protect babies from severe RSV disease.
What are the changes in the 2024-2025 RSV season?
In addition to supporting their patients with decision-making around RSV prevention, primary care will be involved in administering immunizations (Beyfortus) to infants born outside of RSV season (e.g. January – September 2024) and those born outside a hospital setting.
Starting this RSV season, Ontario will transition its RSV Prevention Program for infants to: Move from Synagis (Palivizumab) to Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) as the recommended product Expand the eligibility for the RSV Prevention Program to all infants: born in 2024 prior to RSV season born in 2024/2025 during the RSV season and high-risk children up to 24 months old (see high risk criteria)
The transition to this new product is expected to provide protection to more infants and reduce hospital system pressures (e.g., ER visits, ICU admissions) during this RSV season. On a case-by-case basis of shared decision making between patient and clinician, Abrysvo (RSVpre-F vaccine) will also be available to pregnant individuals in Ontario, who do not wish to provide or whose infants are unable to receive Beyfortus. Abrysvo is administered during pregnancy (32-36 weeks gestational age). Source: Centre for Effective Practice
Which product offers the best protection to babies against severe RSV disease?
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a monoclonal antibody, provides superior and longer-lasting protection against RSV disease compared to protection babies receive from passive immunity when their pregnant parent received the RSV-preF vaccine (Abrsyvo). This is why NACI has recommended that nirsevimab is the preferred product. RSV vaccination is pregnancy is a good option if parents are planning to decline nirsevimab for their infant.
When is the program starting?
Hospitals have started to receive the 100mg doses of Beyfortus with 50mg doses being delivered this week (week of Oct 21, 2024). Everyone in the community should have access to their supply by November 4th, 2024.
Where should I direct families if my practice won’t be offering nirsevimab?
Contact your local Public Health Unit for more information
Provincial Council for Child and Maternal Health
PCMCH Fact Sheet for Providers, also available in French
Ontario Ministry of Health
Ontario Medical Association (OMA)
OMA RSV Guidance including information on how to bill for administration and counselling.
OMA RSV Prophylaxis Webinar Recording featuring Dr. Daniel Warshafsky
Canadian Paediatric Society
CPS Practice Point: Working with Vaccine Hesitant Parents
Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario (PAO)