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 information hub has been developed to share up-to-date information and resources to support healthcare providers.

Welcome to the RSV Information Hub

With various protection options 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 three approved options for RSV protection:

Infant Immunizations

Depending on when they are born, babies can receive an RSV immunization. Immunizations can be given either shortly after birth or at the start of RSV season.

An infant immunization may also be indicated for 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?

The 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 to help reduce the risk of severe RSV illness.

Vaccine for Pregnant People

Health Canada’s authorized indication specifies administration between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. NACI’s current recommendations may be consulted separately for recommended timing and programmatic guidance, which may differ from the authorized indication. Consult the current Canadian product monograph and NACI guidance for more information

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.

Health Canada Authorized RSV protection options for infants

NACI recommends infant immunizations and the RSV vaccine for pregnant people as effective methods to reduce infant RSV hospitalizations.

This table is provided for educational comparison and is not intended to recommend one option over another. Information is summarized from the current Health Canada-authorized product monographs. Consult the complete product monographs and current NACI guidance when making clinical decisions.

	Infant Immunization	Infant Immunization	Vaccine for Pregnant People
Who is it for?	Infants and neonates entering their first RSV season, and for children up to 24 months old with a high risk of severe RSV.	Infants and neonates entering their first RSV season.	Pregnant individuals
Product Monographs	Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) Product Monograph	Clesrovimab (ENFLONSIA®) Product Monograph	RSVpreF (ABRYSVO®) Product Monograph
Recommended dose timing	Shortly after birth— if born during RSV season—or at the start of RSV season if born earlier.	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. 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.	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 (weight-based dosing)	Monoclonal antibody (fixed dose)	Protein-based vaccine
Side Effects	Commonly reported adverse effects: Injection-site reactions, such as pain, erythema, swelling or induration Rash Fever Rare but serious adverse effects: Anaphylaxis has been observed with human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibodies.	Commonly reported adverse effects: Injection-site reactions, such as pain, erythema, swelling or induration Rash Fever Rare but serious adverse effects: Anaphylaxis has been observed with human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibodies.	Commonly reported reactions: Injection-site reactions, such as pain, erythema, swelling or induration Headache Muscle pain (myalgia) Severe rare reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis
Contraindications	Infants with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to these drugs or to any ingredients in the formulations, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container.	Infants with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to these drugs or to any ingredients in the formulations, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container.	Individuals who are hypersensitive to the active substance, including RSV subgroup A stabilized prefusion F protein antigen and RSV subgroup B stabilized prefusion F protein antigen, or to any component of the vaccine History of severe allergic reaction to a previous RSVpreF dose
Available in Canada since	November 2024	January 2026	January 2024

Safety information: No RSV protection option prevents every RSV infection or guarantees that an infant will not become ill. Like other immunizations and vaccines, RSV protection options can cause side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. Side effects and contraindications differ by option.

Navigating Provincial RSV Programs

The map below shows which RSV protections are publicly funded in each province and territory.

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

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Alberta publicly funds RSV immunization for all infants born in hospital from November through to April. Families will be offered protection shortly after birth, before babies leave the hospital.

Visit MyHealth Alberta for information on accessing RSV protection or talk to a healthcare provider.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

BC will offer RSV infant immunization to infants at high risk of RSV disease, including those who are very premature, have certain medical conditions, or live in eligible remote communities or congregate settings.

Contact your local public health unit or talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about available RSV protection options.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Immunization for Babies: RSV immunization for babies may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

advocacy

Healthcare providers in British Columbia are invited to use our letter-writing toolkit to help inform discussions on access to funding for RSV protection.

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

The Saskatchewan RSV infant immunization program will be funding infant immunization for all infants born one month before or during the RSV season. All infants born from October 1 to March 31 will be eligible to receive the immunization free of charge.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Manitoba is publicly funding the RSV infant immunization for all infants born between October 1 and March 31. In addition, infants and young children with certain high-risk conditions may also be eligible in consultation with the Manitoba High-Risk RSV Program.

Private Purchase Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources:

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Ontario publicly funds RSV infant immunization. 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.

Ontario also publicly funds the RSV vaccine for pregnant residents between 32 and 36 weeks gestational age who are expected to deliver near the start or during RSV season.

Links to provincial resources:

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Quebec publicly funds RSV immunization for infants during its seasonal campaign for babies born on or after April 1 of the current year. Certain higher-risk babies born on or after February 1, including those born prematurely, and certain children entering their second RSV season are also eligible.

Visit the Quebec RSV immunization page for information about the publicly funded program.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Newfoundland publicly funds RSV immunization for infants aged six months and younger before discharge from the hospital and through public health.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

In New Brunswick, RSV immunization is provided free of charge from mid-October to the end of March for all infants entering or born during their first RSV season, including infants born as of April 1, 2026 who are under eight months old.

RSV immunization is also available at no cost for high-risk infants under 24 months of age who continue to be at increased risk of severe RSV disease during their second RSV season. This may include infants with certain medical conditions, such as prematurity. Contact your health-care provider or local Public Health office to find out if your child may be eligible.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Prince Edward Island is publicly funding RSV immunization for all infants 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 and high-risk infants up to 24 months of age can receive the immunization at no cost.

Other Access Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Nova Scotia is publicly funding RSV immunization 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.

Private Purchase Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Yukon publicly funds RSV immunization 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 at no cost.

Private Purchase Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

To protect infants during their first RSV season, eligible infants in the Northwest Territories can receive the RSV infant immunization 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.

Private Purchase Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

Publicly Funded RSV Protection

Nunavut publicly funds RSV infant immunization 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.

Private Purchase Options

RSV protection options may also be available outside publicly funded programs. Availability, administration options and insurance coverage vary.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People: The RSV vaccine may be accessed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Links to provincial resources

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.

Watching my newborn's oxygen levels drop was not something I was prepared for as a parent. It’s important for parents to know the symptoms to watch for. I think there needs to be more education for families about RSV and the options available for protection.

Time with each patient is limited, so working RSV into existing processes and workflows — like prenatal visits — helps ensure we’re having these important conversations with families early.

As an expecting mom, it’s been really confusing trying to figure out what RSV protection is available and when I should be getting it. It’s also really frustrating that RSV immunization isn't consistent across provinces. With a young child in daycare bringing home every bug imaginable, I just want to make sure my family is protected.

Resources

Patient Resources

Explore trusted patient-friendly resources to guide families through RSV protection:

Provider Resources

View helpful resources to facilitate conversations with patients:

Nationwide resources from healthcare organizations

Training materials

Ontario resources

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

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Questions? Email us at info@praxushealth.ca.

This page was last updated September 23, 2026.

Disclaimer: This website provides general information about RSV and awareness of available protection options only. It does not recommend, promote, or endorse any specific vaccines or products. For guidance tailored to you and your family, please consult a healthcare provider.

The materials presented are developed by Praxus Health and made possible with financial support from Merck Canada, Pfizer Canada, and Sanofi Canada. The sponsors did not participate in developing the editorial content. All content was developed, reviewed, and approved independently by Praxus Health to ensure balance and accuracy.