Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. It primarily affects infants and young children but can also cause mild to severe illness in adults, especially the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

RSV infection is mild in most individuals. However, in some cases, it can lead to pneumonia or other problems in some people, especially infants born prematurely or with certain chronic health conditions. It is important to watch the symptoms and seek medical attention if they get worse.

When a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection affects the nose and throat (upper respiratory system), symptoms are usually mild and resemble those of the common cold.

They include:

• cough
• stuffy or runny nose
• mild sore throat
• earache
• fever

Infants with RSV may also:

• have no energy
• act fussy or cranky
• be less hungry than usual

RSV infection sometimes leads to bronchiolitis or pneumonia or both.

Symptoms of these complications include:

• difficulty breathing, which may include breathing more rapidly than normal
• wheezing
• coughing that is getting worse. A child may choke or vomit from intense coughing
• Lethargy, increased tiredness, decreased interest in surroundings, or loss of interest in food

There are two ways babies in B.C. can be protected from RSV infection: 

• RSV antibodies (nirsevimab)
• RSV vaccine during pregnancy  

RSV antibodies

Nirsevimab contains pre-made antibodies that is given by injection and provides immediate protection against RSV. It provides protection against RSV for the entire season, usually October through March in B.C.

Who should get the RSV antibodies?

Starting in the fall, nirsevimab is available for free for infants and children under 2 years of age that are at greatest risk of RSV complications.

Eligibility

• Prematurity
• Infants born below 35 weeks of gestation
• Chronic medical conditions
• Infants and children under 2 years of age with specific chronic medical conditions

Infants who are in the hospital and eligible can receive Nirsevimab in the hospital.

Infants and children under 2 years of age who are eligible will receive a phone call or letter and can book an appointment to receive nirsevimab at a Public Health Unit.

If your child has already had RSV, they remain eligible to receive this antibody.

Immunization from a Public Health Unit

Call to book an appointment. Telephone booking is available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

• 604-702-4906 for residents of Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope
• 604-476-7087 for all other areas of Fraser Health

Click here for a list of public health unit locations

RSV vaccine during pregnancy

Getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy creates antibodies that pass from the pregnant person to their baby, giving protection against RSV during the first few months of life.

Getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy

• The pregnancy RSV vaccine is called ABRYSVO
• It is given just before or during RSV season between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and at least two weeks before birth
• The vaccine is not free. It can be purchased at select pharmacies.

Talk to your health care provider about which option is best for you.

RSV vaccines are available:

• For free for adults age 75 and older and First Nations, Métis and Inuit (Indigenous) adults aged 60 and older
• For purchase for people at high risk of severe disease

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

RSV vaccine is recommended and available for:

• All adults 75 years and older.
• Adults 65 to 74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease (for example those with certain health conditions or who live in care homes or other chronic care facilities) and people aged 18 and older with specific conditions (see HealthLinkBC for more information).
• Adults aged 65 to 74 should talk to their health care provider about whether getting the vaccine is right for them.

Getting the RSV vaccine

The RSV vaccine is given as one dose. It is not an annual vaccine. If you have received it before, you do not need to get it again. It works best when given just before or during RSV season (late fall to early spring).

RSV vaccine is available at select pharmacies in Fraser Health for adults aged 75 and older and Indigenous adults aged 60 and older.

Read more about the new RSV program for older adults: HealthLinkBC