Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
Ontario is expanding its respiratory virus vaccination program this year for infants, high-risk children and pregnant women ahead of the fall flu season.
The government announced on Thursday that it would significantly expand eligibility for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines as it aims to protect children and mothers at risk from the potentially serious virus.
Starting in the fall, families with high-risk infants and children two years of age or younger will be able to access a publicly funded RSV vaccine. Pregnant women will be eligible for a similar shot which can protect their child for six months after birth.
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“To be prepared for this year’s respiratory illness season, we all need to take the simple and effective steps to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities and our healthcare system,” said Dr Kieran Moore, chief executive medical health of Ontario. in a statement.
“RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory tract infections, particularly in the very young and older members of our communities.”
Moore said the expansion means all high-risk children 24 months and younger will be eligible for protection this fall.
He called Dr. Chris Simpson, Ontario Health’s chief medical executive, called the move a “game changer” to protect children.
Flu season has become more complicated for the healthcare system since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a so-called triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating. The colder months have seen particular strain on children’s hospitals as a result of the three viruses.
“By expanding the number of children eligible under the RSV prevention program, our government is making it easier for families to access the care and protection they need before respiratory illness season,” he said. r Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones.
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(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://globalnews.ca/news/10645744/rsv-vaccine-ontario-infant-mother-expansion/
