Over 75 in N.L.? You can now get vaccinated against RSV
Newfoundland and Labrador has expanded its RSV vaccination program to include seniors over 75 and infants six months and under. Health officials emphasize that immunization is the most effective way to prevent severe respiratory illness during the peak season.
Why it matters
Expanding vaccine access for vulnerable populations is a key public health strategy to reduce hospitalizations and strain on the healthcare system during respiratory virus season.
Vaccination clinics will operate across the province from Oct. 13 to 18. Appointments can be booked online through Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, or by calling 833-951-3884.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common, highly-contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract. It can have greater impacts on seniors and infants as it can cause respiratory distress.
"Normally it causes mild cold-like symptoms including a runny nose and a cough, but for some people it can lead to pretty severe disease," Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer of health, said Monday.
"There really isn't any treatment for RSV specifically, so immunization really is the best way to prevent severe RSV disease and the complications that can happen from that."
‘Truly wonderful news,’ says N.L.’s top doctor as RSV shots expanded for infants and seniors
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in