Starting October 1, the Government of Yukon will begin offering respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and flu vaccines for high-risk individuals, including those 75+ and those aged 60+ and living in long-term care facilities. For the first two weeks priority will be given to high-risk individuals.
- Starting October 15, health centres, including Whitehorse Health Centre at NVD Place, will begin offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Starting October 1, updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available at select pharmacies.
- Starting November 1, when the RSV, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are more widely available, all others will be eligible
New RSV products will be available for infants and older adults:
- Beyfortus is a once-per-season monoclonal antibody treatment for infants under eight months and high-risk infants up to age two.
- A one-time lifetime RSV vaccine will be available for adults 75+ and those 60+ living in long-term care.
- Co-administration of RSV and other vaccines is not recommended; a four-week gap is required between the vaccines.
- COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be administered at the same time.
- Vaccination appointments can be booked at Yukon.ca/appointments or at participating pharmacies. Walk-ins are available, but booking is recommended to avoid long wait times.
The 2024 fall vaccination campaign aims to protect Yukoners from severe respiratory illnesses, especially high-risk populations such as seniors, infants, and individuals with chronic health conditions. The RSV vaccine rollout includes two main products: Beyfortus for infants and a new RSV vaccine for older adults.
Beyfortus for infants
Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody treatment administered once per season, offering protection to infants aged eight months and younger entering their first RSV season. Additionally, it is available for high-risk infants up to two years old in both their first and second RSV seasons. This new product replaces Synagis, which required multiple doses throughout the season. Beyfortus is expected to provide broader and easier protection for Yukon infants.
RSV vaccine for older adults
This year, adults aged 75+ and those aged 60+ in long-term care facilities will be eligible for a new RSV vaccine. This one-time, lifetime dose offers long-term protection against RSV, which can be particularly dangerous for older populations.
Important safety information
The RSV vaccine for adults should not be administered at the same time as other vaccines. A four-week gap between RSV and flu or COVID-19 vaccines is required to ensure optimal immune response and safety. However, it is safe to administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines together.
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
ayodeji.awobamise@yukon.ca