Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause a serious respiratory illness that affects the airway and lungs which can lead to hospitalization in babies and young children. RSV is seen in more frequently in the fall/winter months.

Historically, the RSV protective antibody was limited to only high risk infants during the RSV season; however, the Ministry of Health of Ontario is transitioning to an expanded infant RSV prevention program for the 2024/2025 season that includes all infants born during and outside of the RSV season and children under 2 years of age with high-risk medical conditions.

Starting October 28, 2024 all babies born at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be offered a single dose of nirsevimab (BeyfortusTM), a monoclonal antibody that provides effective and sustained protection from RSV.

This offering will continue until the conclusion of the 2024-25 RSV season in the spring of 2025.

In addition, the RSVpreF vaccine (AbrysvoTM) will be available at the Maternity centre for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if their baby’s due date is near the start of or during the RSV season.

Babies who were born in 2024, prior to the dose being available in hospital or babies who are born outside of the hospital are also now eligible to receive the RSV antibody through primary care providers. Parents are encouraged to connect with their primary care provider or the local public health unit for more information on how their infant can receive nersevimab (Beyfortus™).

If you would like further information on RSV, please visit the Provincial Council for Maternal & Child Health’s website at https://www.pcmch.on.ca or discuss with your health care provider.