The provincial government is expanding the eligibility of RSV vaccines.

Seniors aged 75 and older will be among the first to receive the vaccine this fall.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says it builds on the inclusion of adults aged 60 to 74 who are susceptible to the virus, as well as young infants and children, from last year.

“RSV is a common respiratory virus with the most severe outcomes in young babies and older adults,” says Jones.

“RSV immunizations have demonstrated their protection against this pathogen and are safe and effective tools to improve public health.”

Pregnant women have the option of receiving the RSV vaccine Abrysvo, which can help protect infants at birth.

Jones says allowing young children access to the vaccine helped reduce the number of children who were hospitalized by the virus.

She says the healthcare system is also eased by others keeping up with routine vaccinations.

“Routine and recommended immunizations can help reduce medical visits and keep people out of hospital, which also reduces pressure on our hospital and our healthcare system. I would encourage everyone to stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children returning to school who may not be up to date on their routine vaccines.”

Jones says routine immunizations also help prevent the spread of serious diseases throughout our communities.

More details on where to receive the RSV vaccine are to be released in the coming weeks.