Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health Care Providers

Nov. 13, 2024

From:
Dr. Ethan Toumishey
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

In this Issue:

1. Infant RSV prevention program

News & Updates

Infant RSV prevention program

For the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has expanded the Ontario publicly funded infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention program. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) recommends health-care providers (HCPs):

1. Order RSV vaccine products from HPE now.
2. Administer the RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus^® (nirsevimab), to infants in their practice who:
   - were born in 2024 and were not vaccinated before discharge from the hospital/birthing centre.
   - are up to 24 months of age and at higher risk for RSV infection, especially if not vaccinated at a hospital clinic.
3. Discuss and provide the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo^TM, to pregnant patients between 32 to 36 weeks gestational age who would rather receive the vaccine in pregnancy than have their infant receive Beyfortus.^®

The following products are now available for ordering from HPE for infants and high-risk children up to 24 months of age*:

Beyfortus^®:

• A monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunizing agent given to infants just prior to or during RSV season.
• Given as a single dose and will replace palivizumab (Synagis).
• Dosing varies by age and weight (i.e. 100 mg for infants ≥5kg, 50 mg for infants <5kg). For details see the Ministry of Health's Infant and High-risk Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program Guidance for Health Care Providers – Beyfortus® (Nirsevimab).
• The recommended product for infants as per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) due to its effectiveness, long-lasting protection and positive safety profile.
• Can be co-administered with routine childhood vaccines, including influenza and COVID-19 (if six months of age and older), and no interval between live vaccines is necessary.

Abrysvo^TM:

• A vaccine administered to pregnant individuals 32 to 36 weeks gestational age.
• Provides antibody transfer in utero to protect newborns and is available on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the pregnant individual and their health-care provider.
• Can be co-administered with other seasonal vaccines.

*Detailed eligibility criteria available here.

NOTE: If the vaccine is given in pregnancy, the monoclonal antibody does not need to be given to the infant (except under specific circumstances such as a high-risk infant born to a pregnant person who received the vaccine).

Vaccine ordering

HPE health-care providers can submit RSV vaccine orders for eligible clients using the updated RSV Vaccine Order Form.

• Send completed forms to 613-966-8145 or CDCIMM@hpeph.ca.
• HPE will be monitoring orders and may contact health-care providers for clarification.

HPEPH vaccine clinics

HPEPH is providing RSV appointments for infants up to 12 months of age (must be born in 2024) and eligible toddlers up to 24 months of age (meeting high-risk criteria). Priority will be given to families who do not have a health-care provider.

Appointments can be booked on the HPEPH website.

Back to Summary

Contact Information: 

To report communicable diseases:613-966-5500 x349

To report AEFI or DOPHS: Online / Fax: 613-966-1813 or CDCFAX1@hpeph.ca

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

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