RSV (respiratory syncytial virus poses) is a common virus that can feel like a bad cold. But for the oldest adults in our community, it can escalate to serious respiratory illness and even lead to hospital stays or death.
In Ontario, officials have expanded the publicly funded immunization program so it will now cover all people aged 75 and up, helping prevent illness during peak RSV season, which usually runs from late fall through winter.
Only two other provinces in Canada will offer a publicly funded vaccine for all adults 75+: PEI, New Brunswick. In Alberta, adults 70+ (or Indigenous people age 60 years or older) can access the vaccine without paying out of pocket. Other provinces and territories offer it as a publicly funded option only to high-risk individuals.
“RSV is a major contributor to illness and hospitalizations. Fortunately, 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. It also will reduce the number of hospitalizations, which means more capacity in our health-care system during the always busy winter season.”- Dr. Chris Simpson, Chief Medical Executive, Ontario Health.
Why Adults 75+ Face Higher Danger From RSV
RSV poses a much greater threat to adults 70+. Across Canada, RSV-related hospitalizations rise sharply among older adults. Rates are about 22 per 100,000 for those in their seventies, but nearly triple to 63 per 100,000 in people aged 80 and older, according to data from the Government of Canada.
Once hospitalized, RSV can be particularly dangerous. A Canadian review found that approximately 16 per cent of older adults admitted to hospital with RSV require intensive care, while the in-hospital death rate is close to 9%. These numbers underline why RSV is more than just a seasonal nuisance.
The risks also extend beyond the lungs. A recent Ontario study revealed that among adults 65 and older who were hospitalized with RSV, nearly one in five went on to develop new heart-related problems.
Accessing the Vaccine
Prior to this expansion, only older, high-risk adults or those in chronic care setting were eligible to receive the publicly funded RSV vaccine. With the expanded program, all adults 75+ in Ontario now have access to this preventive measure backed by strong evidence. Vaccination before the RSV season can meaningfully reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can make an appointment to get the vaccine when it becomes available. While pharmacists are authorized to administer the vaccine, they have not had direct access to the publicly funded RSV vaccine supply, so people who choose to get the vaccine at a pharmacy have had to pay for the vaccine out-of-pocket or through a private insurance plan, which often requires a prescription from a family doctor.
If paying out of pocket, expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $350. Check with your pharmacist first or keep an eye on updates to this article for clarification.
Why Keep Your Vaccines Up to Date?
Keeping your vaccines up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health as you age. Viruses like RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 may seem like minor seasonal concerns, but for adults 75 and older, they can quickly turn into serious illnesses that lead to hospitalization, long-term complications, or even death. Vaccination strengthens your body’s defenses and helps reduce these risks before they start.
Beyond protecting yourself, staying current with recommended vaccines also helps safeguard your family and community. Viruses spread easily in households, hospitals, and long-term care settings. By keeping your immunizations up to date, you lower the chance of passing infections to loved ones, especially those who are more vulnerable.
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