A new seasonal clinic offering RSV immunizations for infants is opening in Halton, thanks to a partnership between Halton Healthcare and Halton Public Health. The Halton Healthcare Pediatric RSV Immunization Clinic, located at Milton District Hospital, will provide families and caregivers with easy access to immunizations as part of the Ministry of Health's new universal infant RSV prevention program.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that poses significant risks to young infants and children. Previously, free immunizations were only available to high-risk or premature infants, but under the new provincial program, all newborns and babies born on or after January 1, 2024, are eligible for free immunization. High-risk toddlers under age two are also eligible.
RSV is a common illness affecting most children by age two and spreads through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. While mild in older children, RSV can lead to severe illness in children under two.
Key statistics:
30-40% of pediatric hospitalizations at Halton Healthcare in fall and winter are due to RSV
70% of infants hospitalized with RSV have no risk factors other than age
2% of all infants are hospitalized for RSV in their first year
The new RSV immunization provides 80-90% protection lasting up to six months
The immunization, a single dose of Beyfortus, offers safe protection against severe RSV infections. It can be administered to newborns in the hospital post-delivery with informed consent, and those under 12 months or high-risk toddlers aged 12-24 months can receive it from their primary care provider or at the dedicated RSV clinic. Immunizations for newborns began on November 4.
The RSV public clinic, Halton’s first, opens November 18, with appointments available starting November 11 by calling 905-203-7937. The clinic will operate Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., located on the north side of Milton District Hospital with entry through Lot 2. An OHIP card is not required.
The expanded eligibility is expected to reduce hospitalizations for young children and benefit the pediatric community’s health overall.
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