September 10, 2026
Fraser Health provides regional oversight and administration of the B.C. Infant RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program.
Fraser Health Authority provides regional oversight and administration of the BC Infant RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program. This program provides 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 these medically at-risk infants and children 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. It is a common cause of outpatient visits for children under two years of age.
- RSV often causes lower respiratory tract infection and related complications in children under one year of age.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
- In most children, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms.
- In infants, especially those who were born prematurely or have chronic medical conditions, RSV can cause more serious lung infections, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
What is nirsevimab?
- A monoclonal antibody administered by injection that provides immediate protection against RSV.
- It reduces a child’s risk of severe RSV infection by 75 to 80 per cent.
- It is offered before or during RSV season, typically from September to March every year.
Who should get it?
- Infants born below 35 weeks of gestation after March 31, 2026.
- Infants born below 32 weeks of gestation after March 31, 2025.
- Infants and children under two years of age with certain specific chronic medical conditions. These infants will be identified by their specialist physicians. To review specific eligibility criteria, visit the 2026-2027 Infant RSV Program Eligibility Criteria.
- Infants under six months of age living in remote or isolated Indigenous communities or congregate settings (review the eligibility criteria for details).
How are eligible children referred?
- Health care providers can submit referrals using the Infant RSV Immunization Request eForm or the downtime form.
- Public health will contact families of eligible children to offer nirsevimab.
- Patients can receive nirsevimab in an acute care setting, such as Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 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.
- Infants can also be protected through RSV vaccine given in pregnancy, which is available for purchase through pharmacies.
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.
For more information
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