Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Overview of 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.

Symptoms of RSV infection

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.

Medicine that protects against RSV

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

Eligibility for Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS®)

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.

Steps you can take

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.