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:

Maternal Vaccine (RSVpreF)

Pregnant individuals can receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

How does it work?

This vaccine 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.

Infant Immunization (nirsevimab)

Infants can receive an immunization shortly after birth or at the start of RSV season if born earlier.

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 gives the infant ready-made antibodies that 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.

RSV Protection Snapshot

NACI recommends both the maternal RSV vaccine and infant immunization as effective methods to reduce infant RSV hospitalizations.

	Maternal Vaccine (RSVpreF)	Infant Immunization (nirsevimab)
Name	ABRYSVO	Beyfortus
Who is it for?	Pregnant individuals	Infants entering their first RSV season. Children up to 24 months old with a high risk of severe RSV.
Recommended dose timing	Between 32-36 weeks of gestation	Shortly after birth— if born during RSV season—or at the start of RSV season if born earlier.
Protection	Antibodies are passed through the placenta to the baby, protecting them for the first 6 months after birth.	Delivers antibodies that provide protection for about 5 months.
Type	Protein-based vaccine	Monoclonal antibody immunization
Approved by Health Canada	December 2023	April 2023
Available in Canada since	January 2024	November 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

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.

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.