Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that causes illness like a bad cold. It spreads easily from person to person, just like a cold. 

It can cause breathing difficulties for people of all ages. It can be more serious in babies, older adults, or people with certain health problems.

There are different types of RSV. This means you can get RSV more than once, even in the same year.

In adults and babies:

• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Fever

Babies may:

• Have low energy
• Eat less than usual
• Be fussy

Some babies, especially those born early or with health problems, can get serious lung infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Get help if a baby has trouble breathing or is wheezing.

Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS®) helps protect babies from RSV. Nirsevimab is not a vaccine (it's an antibody) and is given:

• With a needle
• With other routine immunizations
• During RSV season (October to March)

For babies who qualify, Nirsevimab is:

• Free
• Given in hospital before going home
• Available at public health units

An RSV vaccine during pregnancy can help protect your baby after birth. A vaccine is also available for older adults. These vaccines are not free and are available through pharmacies.

Contact your local pharmacy or find out more about RSV vaccine

This protection is for babies under two years old who meet BC Infant RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program criteria.

This may include:

• Babies under six months old living in rural areas in Interior Health:
  • Does not include the following communities or immediate surrounding areas: Creston, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, Salmon Arm, Penticton, and Trail
• Babies born early:
  • Before 35 weeks after March 31, 2026
  • Before 32 weeks after March 31, 2025
• Babies under two years old with certain long-term health conditions

For babies who do not qualify for the BC RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program, families may want to purchase Nirsevimab through their pharmacy with a prescription from their baby’s health-care provider. Contact your local pharmacy if you have questions about purchasing Nirsevimab.

Before your baby is born:

• Talk to your health-care provider about RSV protection
• Ask about vaccines during pregnancy

After your baby is born:

• Ask in the hospital if your baby can get RSV protection
• If your baby is already home, contact public health or your health-care provider

Important: Babies can get RSV illness soon after leaving the hospital. If your baby qualifies, it's best to get protection before going home. If your baby missed it, they could still get it through public health.

• RSV prevention with nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) - BC Children's Hospital
• Information for parents about nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) - BC Children's Hospital
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and your child - BC Children's Hospital
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection - HealthLink BC
• Handling respiratory illnesses - HealthLink BC