RSV Immunization Clinic

Each fall/winter, Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) offers the RSV immunization to eligible infants.

The 2024/2025 immunization period is now over. Immunizations will resume on October 1, 2025, and run until March 31, 2026. All children who were born on or after April 1, 2025, will be eligible for immunization at that time.

How to book an appointment

The RSV Immunization Clinic will begin booking patients for the next immunization season on October 1, 2025. No referral is required.

To book an appointment, please call 519-685-8500 ext. 50071, on or after September 1, and leave a message with your child’s name and date of birth. We will call you back with an appointment date and time.

Alternatively, if your child is followed by a specialist at Children’s Hospital, you can ask them to immunize your child when they're here for their next scheduled visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RSV immunization does the clinic offer?

The clinic offers Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), which is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides immediate passive immunity against Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. While the immunization does not stop a child from getting an RSV infection, it has been shown to reduce the chance of serious illness and the need for hospitalization by 80 per cent.

Why is it called an "immunization" instead of a "vaccine"?

The term "immunization" is used because the treatment provides passive antibodies from an external source rather than stimulating the infant's immune system to produce its own. Because of this, it is not considered a traditional vaccine.

Is the RSV immunization new?

While Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) itself is relatively new (studies began in 2016), monoclonal antibodies have been safely used for decades. Before Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), Palivizumab (Synagis) was given to high-risk infants for over 20 years.

Is the RSV immunization considered safe? What ingredients are in it?

The RSV immunization has undergone extensive testing and is considered safe. There are no major risks or long-term consequences associated with it.

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) does not contain preservatives, adjuvants, aluminum, latex or live virus components. If you need this information for medical or allergy-related purposes, it’s always a good idea to consult the product monograph or speak with a health-care provider.

Will my child have any side effects?

Side effects of the RSV immunization are generally mild and resolve quickly. The most common are:

  • Tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site (usually resolves within 24–48 hours)
  • A mild rash or fever (in less than 1% of infants)
If I received the maternal RSV vaccine when I was pregnant with my child, do they still need to receive their own RSV immunization?

No. If you receive the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during pregnancy, your baby will already have RSV protection through transferred antibodies and does not need the infant immunization (Beyfortus/Nirsevimab).

What happens if I choose not to get my child immunized for RSV?

For most people, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, infants under six months are at higher risk of the infection moving to the lower respiratory tract. When this happens, it leads to:

  • Pneumonia
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Trouble feeding

In serious cases, hospitalization may be required. Since it is not possible to predict which infants will experience severe RSV, immunization is strongly recommended for all infants in their first year of life.

Do older children need the RSV immunization?

No, older children (those over one year old) do not need the RSV immunization. Most children have had at least one RSV infection by age two, developing natural immunity over time. Severe illness is rare in older children.

Is there a cost for my child to receive the immunization?

The cost of the immunization is fully covered for patients who reside in Ontario and meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of whether they have an OHIP card.

Is my child eligible to receive the RSV immunization through Children’s Hospital if we have a primary care provider in the community?

Yes. Infants who have a primary care provider (e.g. family doctor or nurse practitioner) in the community are now eligible to receive the immunization through our clinic.

Does the clinic provide influenza and COVID vaccinations as well?

Unfortunately, no. If your child doesn’t have a primary care provider and you’re interested in having them vaccinated for influenza or COVID-19, please contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Immunization Clinic.

What other measures can we take to prevent RSV infection?

In addition to having your baby immunized, we recommend taking the following preventive steps:

  • Wash hands frequently (especially before touching your baby)
  • Limit exposure to large crowds or individuals who are sick
  • Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
  • Clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces (toys, doorknobs, etc.)
  • Keep away from daycare or group settings if there's an active RSV outbreak
  • Breastfeeding can provide immune support
Where can I find out more about RSV and the immunizations available?

For more information on Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and how you can protect your family, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/respiratory-syncytial-virus.

Other resources: