RSV INFORMATION HUB
Prepared. From Day One.
What Parents Need to Know About RSV
Navigating RSV protection can feel overwhelming, especially during your baby’s first cold and flu season.
This hub offers trusted resources from healthcare providers, answers to common questions, and guidance to help you understand the risks of RSV and explore options to help protect your family.
Why is RSV a concern for babies?
What is RSV?
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that infects the lungs and airways. Most children will have RSV by the time they’re two. In healthy adults and older kids, it usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms — but in babies, it can lead to serious illness.
In Canada, around 2% of infants are hospitalized with RSV in their first year. In some remote communities, this can rise to 5–17%.
Fortunately, there are options available to help lower the risk during RSV season.
RSV Protection Options
In Canada, there are options to help protect your baby during their first RSV season.
RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Mothers
Pregnant mothers can receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
How does it work?
This vaccine trains the mother’s immune system to produce RSV-fighting proteins called antibodies.
During the final weeks of pregnancy, the mother will pass these antibodies to the baby, which will help reduce the risk of severe RSV illness during the baby’s first RSV season.
RSV Immunization for Babies
Babies can receive an immunization shortly after birth or at the start of RSV season if born earlier.
It may also be offered to babies up to 24 months old entering their second RSV season, who are at a higher risk of serious illness from RSV—such as those born prematurely or with certain medical conditions.
How does it work?
This immunization gives the baby ready-made antibodies that help recognize and fight RSV. Because it doesn’t rely on the baby’s immune system to build protection, it begins working right away after it’s given to help reduce the risk of severe RSV illness.
Provincial RSV Programs
RSV protection options and public funding vary across Canada.
The map below shows which RSV protections are publicly funded and which are available for private purchase in each province and territory.
rsv protection by province
The maternal RSV vaccine is available across Canada. In Ontario, it is publicly funded for pregnant residents between 32 and 36 weeks gestation, who are expected to deliver near the start or during the 2025–2026 RSV season.
In all other provinces and territories, the maternal RSV vaccine is available for private purchase with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurance plans may cover the cost.
Availability and funding are subject to change. Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what options are best for you.
Learn more about RSV protection options in your province:
The Alberta Pediatric RSV Prevention Program will offer RSV immunization for babies to high-risk infants for the 2025-26 season. Eligible high-risk infants may be able to receive the immunization free of charge.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Visit MyHealth Alberta for information on accessing RSV protection. You can also talk to a healthcare provider to inquire whether they carry the maternal RSV vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
The BC Infant RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program will offer RSV immunization for babies to all infants born after March 31, 2024, who reside in certain remote BC communities and to select groups of high-risk, medically complex infants under 2 years old who do not qualify for palivizumab, such as those with Down syndrome. Eligible babies in remote BC communities or who are high-risk may be able to receive the RSV immunization for babies free of charge.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Visit Immunize BC for up-to-date information, including a clinic locator to direct you to a pharmacy which carries the maternal RSV vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
The Saskatchewan RSV infant immunization program will be funding RSV immunization for babies for all infants born one month before or during the RSV season. All infants born from September 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 will be eligible to receive the immunization free of charge.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Ontario is publicly funding the RSV immunization for babies for all infants and high-risk children up to 24 months of age for the 2025-2026 season. All infants born in 2025 and high-risk infants up to 24 months of age can receive the immunization free of charge.
Ontario will also fund the maternal RSV vaccine for pregnant residents between 32 and 36 weeks gestational age who are expected to deliver near the start or during the 2025-2026 RSV season.
Visit the Ontario RSV prevention program website to learn more or contact your local public health unit.
Links to provincial resources:
Quebec is publicly funding RSV immunization for babies born within the 2025-2026 season. All babies born in the 2025-2026 RSV season can receive the immunization free of charge. Visit the Quebec RSV immunization page for information about the publicly funded program.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
New Brunswick is publicly funding RSV immunization for babies for high-risk infants 6 months of age and younger in their first RSV season and for children up to 24 months of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. All high-risk infants born after April 1, 2025 and high-risk infants up to 24 months of age can receive the immunization free of charge.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to inquire about RSV immunization options available for you.
Links to provincial resources:
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to inquire about RSV immunization options available for you.
Links to provincial resources:
Yukon is publicly funding RSV immunization for babies for all infants 8 months of age and younger in their first RSV season and for children up to 24 months of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. All infants 8 months or younger and high-risk infants up to 24 months of age can receive the immunization free of charge.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Nunavut will be publicly funding RSV immunization for babies for all infants under 12 months of age for the 2024-2025 RSV season. All infants under 12 months can receive the immunization free of charge.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers can be purchased privately with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some private insurances may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
Patient Voices
From the anxiety of RSV hospitalizations, to the challenges of navigating protection options across Canada, hear directly from parents and caregivers as they share their experiences with RSV.
Katrina's Story
In 2023, Katrina’s two older kids came down with what seemed like a typical cold — runny noses, a cough, nothing too alarming. But when her seven-week-old baby caught the virus, everything changed.
“It all happened so fast,” Katrina recalls. “She went from having a bit of a cough to struggling to breathe, and suddenly in the middle of the night we were rushing to the hospital.”
Katrina’s daughter was placed on oxygen and they spent four days in the hospital.
“She was so tiny, connected to cords and monitors helping her breathe. Watching your newborn’s oxygen levels drop — that’s just not something you’re ever prepared for as a parent.”
At the time, there were no RSV protection options available. Now, Katrina is sharing her experience in hopes of building awareness and helping families understand how serious RSV can be.
“If you know you’re going to have an infant during respiratory season — especially if you have older kids in school or daycare, it’s so important to know your options,” says Katrina.
She hopes her story encourages other families to ask questions, learn what to watch for, and feel empowered to protect their little ones.
FAQ
What is RSV?
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that infects the lungs and airways. Most children will have RSV by the time they’re two. In healthy adults and older kids, it usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms — but in babies, it can lead to much more serious illness.
How does RSV spread?
RSV spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
Babies can be exposed to RSV by family members who don’t even know they have it.
Why can RSV be serious for babies?
RSV can be very serious for babies—especially those born early or with weaker immune systems—because their lungs and immune systems are still developing.
In Canada, it’s the leading cause of hospital visits for infants with lung infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Each year in Canada, around 2% of infants are hospitalized with RSV in their first year. In some remote communities, this can rise to 5–17%.
Can RSV cause long-term health risks?
Being infected with RSV as a baby can lead to long-term health issues, like a higher risk of asthma later in childhood.
A study in The Lancet found that babies who didn’t get RSV in their first year were about 26% less likely to have asthma by age five.
Another study found that RSV infections in early childhood are also associated with long-term wheezing and impaired lung function.
When is my baby at highest risk for RSV?
In Canada, RSV season usually starts in the fall (October or November) and lasts through late spring (March to May).
The exact timing can vary by region and from year to year, but most provinces see a rise in RSV cases beginning in late fall, with peak activity during winter months (December to February).
Are the immunizations for RSV safe?
Yes — both the maternal RSV vaccine and the infant RSV immunization are safe and effective. They’ve been approved by Health Canada and are used worldwide to help protect babies from serious RSV illness.
Are there side effects from RSV immunizations?
It is possible to experience side effects from both the maternal RSV vaccine and infant RSV immunization. Most side effects are mild and will go away on their own within a few days. The most common side effects are:
- Redness or pain where the vaccine or immunization was given
- Fatigue
- Body aches
How do I access RSV protection?
RSV protection programs vary from province to province. Talk to a healthcare provider to learn about what is available in your area.
You can also learn more here.
Parent Resources
Check out these resources from trusted healthcare providers across Canada to help you learn more about RSV, understand the risks, and explore available options for protection and support.
- Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, Education Sheet (English)
- Federation of Medical Women of Canada, RSV Task Force White Paper
- Immunize Canada, RSV Information and Fact Sheets
- Immunization Aftercare Sheets for Infants and Young Children
- Our Kids Health, RSV Hub (Multiple Languages)
- Protecting Your Child From RSV, For Parents and Expecting Parents (English)
- Protecting Your Child From RSV, For Parents and Expecting Parents (Multiple Languages)
- RSV Protect, Website
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, Statement
- Tips for Parents for a Positive Immunization Experience (English)
- Vaccines in Pregnancy, RSV Infographic (English)
Get Involved
Want to learn more about infant RSV and how you can help advocate for better access and funding in your province or territory?
Email us at [email protected]
This page was last updated August 15, 2025.