Infant and High-Risk Children RSV Prevention Program Season End and COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Clarification

To: Health Care Professionals in Niagara
From: Clinical Services Division, Niagara Region Public Health
Reference: Infant and High-Risk Children RSV Prevention Program Season End and COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Clarification
Date: April 13, 2026

This memo details the end of the 2025-2026 maternal, infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program and provides clarity regarding who is eligible for the spring COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Health Care Provider Action

Monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus®) and the maternal vaccine (Abrysvo®):

Doses should no longer be administered to infants, children, or pregnant individuals after Friday April 17, 2026
This is different from the 2025-2026 older adult RSV prevention program that will continue throughout the spring and summer (i.e. year-round) for eligible individuals
- The rationale is that the vaccine for older adults has demonstrated multi-year protection as a single dose (no boosters)
Ontario Ministry of Health guidance for 2026-2027 is anticipated leading up to the fall

COVID-19 vaccine:

Your office may be fielding questions from patients who did not receive a fall dose of COVID-19 vaccine asking for a spring dose for school or work purposes. Unless they meet the high-risk criteria, they will not be able to get a dose until fall 2026.
This is different from flu vaccine, that can continue to be used until expiry for these one-off situations

Office Staff Action

All remaining non-expired monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus®) inventory held at healthcare premises should be stored under appropriate cold chain for use during the next RSV season and not returned to Public Health
- Non-expired Abrysvo® can continue to be used for the older adult population

More Information

Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396