Vaccines to combat against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will soon be available to young children and pregnant women.
It is already available to people over 60 who are considered at high risk of contracting the highly contagious virus.
The Ministry of Health says beginning this fall infants and children under 2 who are considered high risk will be able to get the vaccine at no cost.
Until recently, there was no approved vaccine for young children.
Health Canada approved vaccines earlier this year.
Pregnant women will also have the option of receiving an approved vaccine the Ministry says will provide protection for their baby from birth to six months of age.
“By expanding the number of children eligible under the RSV prevention program, our government is making it easier for families to access the care and protection they need ahead of respiratory illness season,” says Health Minister Sylvia Jones in a release.
Details about where the vaccine will be available are to be released in the coming weeks.
