Southeastern Ontario Public Health is expanding its Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prevention program, offering new protection for both seniors and infants this respiratory season.
Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says the province now recommends the RSV vaccine for everyone aged 75 and older, as well as adults 60 to 74 who are at higher risk.
Those eligible include long-term care residents, dialysis patients, transplant recipients, and individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
RSV is a major cause of lower respiratory illness, often mild but potentially severe for seniors, infants, and people with chronic health conditions. Vaccination helps prevent hospitalizations and serious illness.
Immunization Coordinator and Public Health Nurse Erin McLean says anyone who is 75 years of age and older are eligible.
McLean says eligible residents can book appointments through their health-care provider or Public Health itself can lend a hand.
Those already vaccinated last season do not need another dose this year, as protection lasts several years.
Learn more at South East Public Health’s website, found here.
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