Date last reviewed:
Friday, Nov 15, 2024
Disease it protects against
The RSV vaccine protects against:
- Respiratory syncytial virus
Respiratory syncytial (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in some cases, RSV can cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs). Some groups, including infants and older adults, are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Learn more about the respiratory syncytial virus.
Who can get the vaccine
Older adults
Health Canada has approved 2 new vaccines to protect older adults from RSV: RSVPreF3 (AREXVY) and RSVpreF (ABRYSVO). Both are approved for adults 60 years of age and older.
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the RSV vaccine for:
- Adults 75 and older, especially those who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
- Adults 60 years and older who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
Adults 60 to 74 years of age who would like the vaccine should talk to their health care provider about whether getting the vaccine is right for them.
The vaccine is given as one dose.
Pregnant people
RSVpreF (ABRYSVO) is also approved for use in pregnant people 18 years of age and older who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant to protect infants from RSV. Learn more about the RSV vaccine for pregnant people.
When to get the vaccine
The vaccine works best when given just before or during the RSV season. In BC, RSV infections often occur in the late fall to early spring.
Where to get the vaccine
Use the Clinic Locator on the BC Pharmacy Association website to find a pharmacy with the RSV vaccine. Please book online or call to make an appointment. The RSV vaccine is not currently publicly funded (free) in BC. Some private health insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine; check with your insurance provider.
Is there an RSV vaccine for infants and children?
There is currently no RSV vaccine for infants and children. Medicines to prevent RSV, called monoclonal antibodies, may be given to babies and children who are more likely to have severe RSV infection. These medicines are currently only available for select groups of infants and children in BC. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
Where to get more information
For more information on the RSV vaccine, talk to a health care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, public health nurse, community health nurse, or primary care nurse).
RSV quick facts
- What it is
-
Respiratory syncytial (RSV) is a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in some cases, RSV can cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).RSV causes outbreaks of respiratory illness each year. In British Columbia, RSV infections often occur between the late fall to the early spring.
- How it spreads
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RSV spreads easily from person to person through breathing, coughing, and sneezing. The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from coughs, or sneezes on another person or on an object, and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.
- Symptoms
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Symptoms can begin about 3 to 5 days after a person is first exposed to the virus.Older children and adults usually present with symptoms similar to the common cold and symptoms go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Typical RSV symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Low grade fever (less than 38.5° C or 101° F)
- Loss of appetite
- Mild sore throat
- In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased energy, and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms can worsen if the virus causes inflammation of the lungs. In the case of a more serious infection, symptoms could include:- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Unusual or prolonged pauses of breathing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty feeding
- Risks
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In some cases, RSV can cause severe infections such as bronchiolitis, meaning inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.Premature children, children younger than 6 months, children with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions, older adults, and patients who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of severe RSV and may need to be hospitalized.
