MGH's main entrance on Coxwell Avenue is closed as the next phase of our redevelopment project begins. Patients and visitors can use the new temporary main entrance on Sammon Avenue between Coxwell Avenue and Knight Street. View our campus map.
With the arrival of fall comes respiratory season – a time of year when it’s common to see the circulation of respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most healthy adults. For some, RSV may feel like a mild infection that comes with a quick recovery. However, for infants and young children, RSV can become severe or even life-threatening.
Utilizing available prevention options is the best way to protect your infant. Here are the top four things you need to know about RSV, how to protect your infant and prevention options available through Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).
Nearly all children are infected with RSV by the time they are two years old (Public Health Agency of Canada). The illness is spread similarly to other respiratory illnesses – through the air and close contact when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
Common RSV symptoms can include cough, runny nose, fever, wheezing or low energy, decreased appetite and/or thirst. The best way to know if your infant has RSV is to visit a doctor.
Beyfortus is an immunization that works by passively providing antibodies that protect against RSV. It also protects against RSV-related diseases like pneumonia and bronchiolitis (chest infection).
In Ontario, infants up to 8 months old in their first RSV season and children up to 24 months who are at high-risk for severe RSV disease through their second RSV season can receive Beyfortus.
MGH is proud to offer several options for infants and children to receive Beyfortus.
MGH’s outpatient Infant RSV Clinic
Starting October 20, MGH will offer a weekly outpatient Infant RSV Clinic on Monday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the following eligible individuals:
children up to 24 months who are at increased risk as per the Province’s eligibility criteria
This clinic is by appointment only. To book an appointment, please call the clinic phone line at 416-461-8272 ext. 2289. Callers will be asked to provide the following information:
MGH Family and Newborn Clinic (FAN)
MGH’s FAN Clinic also offers RSV immunizations for infants up to eight weeks of age as long as they meet referral criteria. Criteria and clinic information including location and hours can be found on the FAN Clinic website.
Local care providers
MGH is also proud to work with select local primary care physicians and midwives who are a part of the East Toronto Health Partners Ontario Health Team to supply the Beyfortus immunization. Any individuals who are eligible to receive the immunization based on the Province's expanded eligibility may contact their local care providers to confirm availability.
To learn more about RSV, visit the Government of Ontario’s RSV Information Page or check out the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health’s RSV Fact Sheet. Remember – staying protected helps everyone stay safe!
