The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) announced the availability of a new preventive treatment to protect newborns and eligible infants up to 24 months from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that circulates from fall through spring. While it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, it can lead to serious respiratory illnesses in infants and older adults, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization for infants and, in rare cases, can be life-threatening.
The treatment, known as nirsevimab or Beyfortus, is administered as a single-dose injection of protective antibodies.
Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health and a pediatrician, expressed enthusiasm for the new treatment.
« As a pediatrician and Medical Officer of Health, I’m very excited about this new preventive treatment and I highly recommend it for infants, » said Dr. Roumeliotis. « Evidence has shown that it’s both very safe and highly effective. A single dose can prevent RSV infection during an infant’s first RSV season, when they’re most vulnerable to the virus. It will also prevent the tremendous stress that severe RSV illness and hospitalization puts on families. »
The antibody treatment will be offered to newborns in hospitals following their birth, starting this month. For infants born outside of a hospital or earlier in 2024, as well as those up to 24 months old with certain medical conditions, the treatment will be available through primary healthcare providers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers to learn more about the treatment.
For families without access to a healthcare provider, or if there are other barriers to receiving the treatment, the EOHU is offering appointments. Parents can contact the EOHU at 1-800-267-7120 to arrange for their child to receive the injection.
Further information about RSV and preventive treatment options is available on the EOHU website at EOHU.ca/RSV, or by calling 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120. The EOHU can also be followed on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
