RSV INFORMATION HUB
Supporting RSV Conversations with Patients
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under one in Canada.
In Canada, around 2% of infants are hospitalized with RSV in their first year. In some remote communities, this can rise to 5–17%.
Healthcare providers play a key role in helping families understand the risks and explore protection options.
This hub offers up-to-date tools to support important conversations with patients.
Welcome to the RSV Information Hub
With both maternal vaccines and infant immunization products now available in Canada, it’s important to understand the timing, differences, and what’s offered in your province or territory—so you can support informed decision making around RSV protection with your patients.
This hub will be updated as new information and protection programs become available in Canada.
RSV Protection Options
In Canada, there are two approved options for RSV protection:
Infant Immunization (nirsevimab)
Depending on when they are born, babies can receive the RSV immunization either shortly after birth or at the start of RSV season.
The immunization may also be offered to children 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 is a single dose that gives the infant ready-made antibodies to help recognize and fight RSV. Because it doesn’t rely on the infant’s immune system to build protection, it begins working right away after it’s given.
Maternal Vaccine (RSVpreF)
Pregnant individuals can receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
How does it work?
This vaccine is given as a single dose and trains the individual’s immune system to produce antibodies.
During the final weeks of pregnancy, the individual will pass the antibodies to the infant, which protects the infant against RSV once they are born.
RSV Protection Snapshot
NACI recommends both the infant immunization—nirsevimab—and the maternal RSV vaccine—RSVpreF—as effective methods to reduce infant RSV hospitalizations.
The current NACI statement notes:
“At this time, nirsevimab is the preferred immunization option based on its efficacy, duration of protection, and good safety profile. This preference will be revisited as needed based on emerging evidence. However, if nirsevimab is not available, other options can be considered.”
| Infant Immunization (nirsevimab) | Maternal Vaccine (RSVpreF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Beyfortus | ABRYSVO |
| Who is it for? | Infants entering their first RSV season. Children up to 24 months old with a high risk of severe RSV. | Pregnant individuals |
| Recommended dose timing | Shortly after birth— if born during RSV season—or at the start of RSV season if born earlier. | During RSV season, between 32-36 weeks of gestation |
| Dose | Single dose. High-risk infants may be advised to receive a second dose upon entering their second RSV season. | Single dose |
| Protection | Delivers antibodies that provide protection for about 5 months. | Antibodies are passed through the placenta to the baby, protecting them for the first 6 months after birth. |
| Type | Monoclonal antibody immunization | Protein-based vaccine |
| Approved by Health Canada | April 2023 | December 2023 |
| Available in Canada since | November 2024 | January 2024 |
Navigating Provincial RSV Programs
Provinces and territories are rolling out publicly funded RSV protection programs at different times, with varying eligibility. The map and chart below provide an overview of what options are currently available in each province/territory.
Publicly Funded RSV protection by province
Note: Availability and public funding are subject to change. Check with your local public health authority or ministry of health for the most up-to-date details on coverage and timing.
RSV Protection and Resources by Province
The Alberta Pediatric RSV Prevention Program will offer infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—to high-risk infants for the 2025-26 season. Eligible high-risk infants may be able to receive nirsevimab free of charge.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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.
Links to provincial resources:
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—can be purchased privately from a healthcare provider. Some private insurance may cover the cost of the vaccine.
Links to provincial resources:
The Saskatchewan RSV infant immunization program will be funding infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—for all infants born one month before or during the RSV season. All infants born from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 will be eligible to receive the immunization free of charge.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 to inquire about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Manitoba is publicly funding the RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)— for all infants born between October 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. In addition, infants and young children with certain high-risk conditions may also be eligible in consultation with the Manitoba High-Risk RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 to inquire about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Ontario is publicly funding RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus). All infants up to 8 months in age and high-risk children up to 24 months of age can receive the immunization free of charge for the 2025-2026 season.
Ontario will also fund the maternal RSV vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 the RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus). All infants born in the 2025-2026 RSV season can receive the immunization free of charge. In addition, infants born on or after April 2, 2025, who are under 8 months old and entering their first RSV season, are also eligible for the publicly funded immunization. Visit the Quebec RSV Immunization Page for information about the publicly funded program.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 to inquire about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
New Brunswick is publicly funding the RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—for high-risk infants for the 2025-2026 season. 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 maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 to inquire about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Prince Edward Island is publicly funding the RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—for all infants for the 2025-2026 season. All infants born in 2025 and high-risk children up to 24 months of age can receive the immunization free of charge.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 to inquire about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Nova Scotia is publicly funding RSV immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—for all infants under 8 months of age during their first RSV season. All eligible infants born before October 15 can receive the immunization at no cost.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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 to inquire about available RSV protection options.
Links to provincial resources:
Yukon is publicly funding RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—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 eligible infants can receive the immunization free of charge
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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:
To protect infants during their first RSV season, eligible infants in the NWT can receive the RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—at no cost. It is recommended that all infants who are ages 0 to 3 months at the start of the season receive the immunization as well as babies who are born during RSV season.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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:
Nunavut will be publicly funding RSV infant immunization—nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—for all infants under 12 months of age and high-risk infants up to 24 months of age. All eligible infants can receive the immunization free of charge.
The maternal vaccine—RSVpreF (ABRYSVO)—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:
RSV VOICES
Patient and Provider Perspectives
Hear directly from patients and healthcare providers about their experiences with RSV.
These perspectives offer valuable insight into what matters most — from patient concerns to provider viewpoints — helping support meaningful conversations about RSV.
Resources
Patient Resources
Explore trusted patient-friendly resources to guide families through RSV protection:
- Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, Education Sheet (English)
- Our Kids Health, RSV Hub (Multiple Languages)
- Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health, Fact Sheet (English)
- Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health, Fact Sheet (Multiple Languages)
- RSV Protect
- Vaccines in Pregnancy, RSV Infographic (English)
Provider Resources
View helpful resources to facilitate conversations with patients:
Nationwide resources from healthcare organizations
Training materials
- Canadian Public Health Association, RSV Webinar with Dr. Paul
- University of Calgary Infant RSV Monoclonal Antibody Counselling: Virtual Training for Healthcare Providers (English)
- University of Calgary Infant RSV Monoclonal Antibody Counselling: Virtual Training for Healthcare Providers (French)
- University of Calgary Vaccine Confidence Toolkit
Ontario resources
- Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health, Provider Resource (English)
- Centre for Effective Practice: Resources for primary care physicians to support RSV prevention (English)
- Ontario College of Family Physicians: Summary of RSV prevention updates (English)
- Ontario Medical Association: Ontario's publicly funded RSV prevention program (English)
- Praxus Health, Information Sheet for Ontario Healthcare Providers (English)
Raise awareness
We’ve created a campaign toolkit to support awareness around RSV and the protection options available in Canada. Inside, you’ll find ready-to-use content and resources designed to make it easy to share important information with your community.
Stay informed
Be the first to know about RSV updates, upcoming webinars, and new resources for healthcare providers across Canada. Sign up to get the latest delivered straight to your inbox.
Questions? Email us at [email protected].
This page was last updated August 15, 2025.