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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is respiratory illness that affects the lungs and airways. RSV can be severe in infants, young children and older adults.
RSV spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces that are contaminated by the virus.
To protect yourself from RSV you can:
RSV symptoms usually happen within two to eight days after getting infected, and usually include:
Very young infants may only experience irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite or feeding and breathing problems.
Information for parents on how to manage their child’s symptoms and when to seek medical attention can be found on the Ministry of Health’s RSV webpage.
Some people can develop a severe form of RSV which may result in pneumonia or, in infants and children, bronchiolitis.
These illnesses can be serious and may require a visit to a health care provide or to the emergency department.
Ontario has expanded eligibility for free RSV immunization to all residents aged 75 and older.
As part of Ontario’s RSV prevention programs, the province will fully cover the cost of immunization to help protect:
The infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program has now come to an end for the season. Please check back in the fall for availability.
The 2025-26 older adult RSV prevention program will continue throughout the spring and summer (i.e. year-round). Eligible Ontario residents may receive their RSV immunization as supply is available.
If you are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine, contact your health care provider to check availability.
We are not currently booking appointments for RSV vaccinations at our Public Health clinics. Please check back in the fall for vaccine availability and appointment bookings.
Contact Us
Region of Waterloo
150 Frederick St.
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Telephone: 519-575-4400
Fax: 519-575-4481
For general inquiries:
Regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca
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