Halton Healthcare’s Paediatric RSV immunization clinic closes after protecting 500 babies

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Halton Healthcare’s first regional Paediatric RSV immunization clinic has officially closed after immunizing 500 babies against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a highly contagious virus responsible for 30 to 40 percent of pediatric hospitalizations.

The clinic, held at Milton District Hospital, was a collaborative effort by Halton Healthcare, the Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team, Halton Region Public Health, and Primary Care Physicians. It was part of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) new universal infant RSV prevention program. The clinic was the only one in the area, providing families in the region with convenient access to RSV immunizations for infants and high-risk toddlers.

Under the Ministry’s program, all newborns and babies born after Jan. 1, 2024, became eligible for free RSV immunizations alongside high-risk toddlers under two. This marked a significant expansion, as free immunizations were previously limited to high-risk infants or premature babies.

The clinic targeted babies born from January to November 2024, immunizing them before their first RSV season in the fall and winter months. Babies born from November onward are immunized before hospital discharge. Immunizations protect vulnerable infants from severe lung infections, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions.

“We are extremely proud to have been part of this initiative and thank everyone who made this clinic so successful,” said Cheryl Hoare, Program Director of Women and Children.

“Together with the Connected Care Ontario Health Team, Halton Region Public Health, and Primary Care, we have been able to protect the tiniest members of our community and ease the burden on our healthcare system. We are incredibly proud of what this initiative has achieved.”

Although the seasonal clinic has concluded, RSV immunizations remain available to newborns through primary care providers and hospitals.