As paediatric teams across Ontario prepare for the upcoming respiratory season, Halton Healthcare is proud to share an innovative and effective model of care that has already made a significant impact in Halton region. In collaboration with Halton Region Public Health, Halton Healthcare launched the region’s first and only seasonal Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunization Clinic at Milton District Hospital. This clinic, operational for the first time last season, stands as a best practice in community-based paediatric care and infectious disease prevention. The clinic was established in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s expanded universal infant RSV prevention program, which broadened the eligibility for RSV immunization.
Previously targeted mainly at a limited subset of high-risk infants, the new program enabled access for all infants born in 2024, as well as high-risk children under two years of age. The new medication Nirsivemab has proven to reduce doctor visits and admissions by 80% and paediatric ICU admissions by 90 per cent in large studies across the world. RSV is the most common respiratory infection affecting infants and young children, but its impact can be severe.
At Halton Healthcare, RSV accounts for up to 30 per cent of all paediatric hospitalizations during the colder months. Recognizing the need for early intervention, the clinic aimed to protect the most vulnerable before they ever reached the Emergency Department. “From a health system perspective, prevention is always the best medicine,” said Dr. Jonathan Sam, Corporate Paediatric Strategy Lead at Halton Healthcare and Regional Paediatric Lead at Ontario Health Central. “By delivering timely immunizations, we not only protect infants and young children, but we also ease the seasonal burden on paediatric and emergency services.”
“RSV infection can be serious, especially for infants under six months of age or those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Patrick Galange, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Halton Region Public Health. “That’s why we are happy to collaborate with Halton Healthcare on this innovative clinic model. Immunization with preventative antibodies is highly effective and can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. By expanding access to this protection, we’re using every public health tool to keep children safe this RSV season.”
While Halton Healthcare began offering RSV immunization to newborns in-hospital, the need to reach infants in the community – especially those recently discharged or without easy access to primary care – prompted the launch of the dedicated clinic. Designed to be convenient and low-barrier, the seasonal clinic created an accessible entry point for families across the region seeking preventive care. The clinic was staffed by paediatric nurses and supported through integrated communication with local healthcare providers and public health. The clinic ensured caregivers were informed and empowered to make preventative health decisions for their families.
During last winter season, and over just three months, the clinic immunized more than 500 babies – a significant milestone that reflected both the demand for this service and the effectiveness of the delivery model. The clinic also supported the provincial strategy of shifting care closer to home. By preventing illness in the community, it reduced the need for acute care and supports families proactively. This initiative offers a scalable model for other regions, demonstrating the success of hospital–public health collaboration, community-based infrastructure, and alignment with provincial programs.
As we prepare for the upcoming RSV season, the importance of early and equitable access to immunization cannot be overstated. This model shows how cross-sector collaboration and patient-centered design can effectively meet public health goals. “The RSV immunization clinic has been a game-changer for families in our region,” said Cheryl Hoare, Clinical Program Director for the Women & Children Program at Halton Healthcare. “It’s about meeting people where they are, reducing preventable illness, and ultimately ensuring healthier beginnings for our youngest patients.”
By combining evidence-based prevention, health system collaboration, and communitycentered delivery, Halton Healthcare’s Paediatric RSV Immunization Clinic exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking innovation that strengthens Ontario’s paediatric healthcare landscape.