General News

Plan ahead for respiratory virus season to keep babies safe: Health unit

October 2, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding parents-to-be and families with new babies to plan for respiratory virus season.

This includes asking their baby’s health care provider about RSV immunization.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can make babies and young children very sick. It can cause lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospital care.

RSV immunization is publicly funded and can help protect eligible infants and young children who are at higher risk of severe illness. The immunization is a monoclonal antibody that provides immediate protection during he time babies are most at risk.

Families with babies born in the spring or summer should ask their health care provider about including this important protection at their baby’s next well-baby checkup.

Beginning today (Oct. 1), parents will be offered Beyfortus ® for newborns shortly after birth in the hospital before discharge or by their midwife.

RSV season runs from November to April, although timing may vary. Asking about RSV immunization early can help families prepare before respiratory viruses begin to spread in the community.

Families are encouraged to speak with their health care provider, hospital staff, midwife, or the Health Unit to find out if their baby is eligible and where RSV immunization is available.

The Health Unit also reminds everyone to take simple steps to protect babies from respiratory illness.

This includes staying home when sick, cleaning your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping babies away from unwell people. 

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