September 16, 2025
Starting in Fall 2025, Fraser Health Authority will provide regional oversight and administration of the BC Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunoprophylaxis Program.
This program offers Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody against RSV infection, to infants and children under two years of age who meet provincial eligibility requirements. We are seeking your assistance in protecting this vulnerable population during the upcoming respiratory season with the provision of Nirsevimab.
What is RSV?
- RSV is a common virus that spreads easily during the fall and winter months.
- It causes acute respiratory tract illness across all ages and is a common cause of outpatient visits for children under 24 months of age.
What are symptoms of RSV?
- In most children, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms. It is not possible to diagnose RSV infection by clinical examination alone, because the symptoms are very similar to other respiratory viruses.
- In infants, especially those who were born prematurely or have chronic medical conditions, RSV can cause more serious lung infections, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children under one year of age.
What is Nirsevimab?
- A monoclonal antibody that provides immediate protection against RSV, given as an injection.
- It is offered during the Respiratory Season, typically from October to March every year.
Who should get it?
- Infants born at 28 to up to 35 weeks of gestation after March 31, 2025
- Infants born prior to 28 weeks gestation, and discharged from hospital after March 31, 2025
- Infants and children under two years of age with certain specific chronic medical conditions (to review specific eligibility criteria, visit 2025-2026 Infant RSV Program Eligibility Criteria). These infants will be identified by their specialist physicians.
- Patients will receive Nirsevimab in the acute care setting, such as Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or at a Public Health Unit.
Other considerations
- Nirsevimab should not be administered to children older than two years of age and is not recommended for the prevention of nosocomial RSV infections.
- Nirsevimab should only be administered to infants and children meeting eligibility criteria to ensure product is available for those at highest risk for morbidity and mortality
How does this program affect routine childhood vaccinations?
- Infants receiving Nirsevimab can receive their immunizations as per the routine schedule as it does not interfere with immune response to vaccines.
- If you have a client that meets the eligibility criteria, please direct them to contact their local Public Health Unit.
For More Information
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection | HealthLink BC
- Information on Nirsevimab
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus – Fraser Health Authority
- Preventing Respiratory Illness: Handling respiratory illnesses | HealthLink BC
- Guide for Parents to know care options for your child: Parents’ guide to knowing your care options - Fraser Health Authority
- BCCDC Immunization Manual RSV
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