RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways.  It can cause cold-like symptoms and serious infections like bronchiolitis, especially in:

• Infants and young children
• Older adults

In Canada, RSV season usually runs from November to April.

**Updated for 2025/2026 Season** - RSV Vaccine for High-Risk Older Adults

1) Starting this fall, all individuals aged 75 and older can get the RSV vaccine for free.  
2) Individuals aged 60 to 74 are also eligible to receive the vaccine if they are:

• Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes including similar settings (e.g., co-located facilities).
• Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
• Patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
• Patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
• Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants
• Individuals experiencing homelessness 
• Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

Please contact your health care provider to receive the vaccine. If you do not have a health care provider, you can book an appointment at a health unit clinic online 

Note: If you have received the RSV vaccine previously, you do not need another dose right now.

Don't qualify for the free vaccine?
You can still get the RSV vaccine with a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner. Some private insurance plans may cover the cost.

Click here for more information on the RSV vaccine

**Updated for 2025/2026 Season** - RSV Program for Infants and High-Risk Young Children

All babies born on or after April 1st, 2025 and who are less than 8 months of age are eligible to receive RSV immunization (Beyfortus®) this RSV season. 

Young children up to 24 months of age in the following groups who are at risk for severe RSV disease are eligible to receive a dose this coming season as they enter their second RSV season: 

• Chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined by need for ongoing respiratory support and supplemental oxygen therapy at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age at birth plus chronological age) or discharged home, if earlier.
  • Note: Children who were < 12 months of age and approved for coverage in the previous RSV season for chronic lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia remain eligible, irrespective of their clinical status in the second RSV season.
• Hemodynamically significant cyanotic or acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) defined as infants requiring corrective surgery or are on cardiac medication for congestive heart failure or diagnosed with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension.
• Severe immunodeficiency
• Down syndrome/Trisomy 21
• Cystic fibrosis with recurrent pulmonary exacerbations requiring hospitalization, deteriorating pulmonary function and/or severe growth delay
• Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions
• Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions

There is also an RSV vaccine, Abrysvo™, available for pregnant people (to be given at 32-36 weeks gestation) who will deliver during the RSV season. It is important to note that Beyfortus for newborns is recommended over prenatal vaccination as it is more effective. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to speak with their prenatal care provider about this option.

Page last updated: September 15, 2025