Immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections

The RSV immunization campaign ended on May 18, 2026.

Immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in babies consists of administering a preventive treatment to eligible children.

This treatment is a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab, which provides babies with ready-made antibodies to protect them against severe RSV infections.

It is offered free of charge during the RSV immunization campaign (generally in the fall and winter) to:

• babies born on or after April 1 of the current year;
• certain babies at higher risk of complications who were born on or after February 1 of the current year:
  • babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy who have not already received it;
  • babies with at least one condition that increases the risk of complications;
• certain babies with at least one condition that increases the risk of complications during their second RSV season.

Immunization against RSV infections in adults consists of administering a vaccine.

The vaccine is provided free of charge during the RSV immunization campaign (generally in the fall and winter) to the following people:

• people aged 60 and over living in long-term care centre (CHSLD), an intermediate resource (IR), or receiving services under the Support for the Autonomy of Older Adults (SAPA) program;
• people aged 75 and over living in a private seniors' residence (RPA), category 3 or 4, because of their vulnerability.

During the RSV immunization campaign, vaccination is recommended for:

• people aged 75 and over living in a private seniors' residence (RPA);
• people aged 75 and over with chronic disease;
• people aged 18 and over who have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant within the past two years or a lung transplant.

The vaccine is also authorized for:

• pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, to protect the unborn baby;
• people aged 60 and over;
• people aged 50 and over who are at risk of RSV-related complications.

Certain conditions increase the risk of complications related to RSV, including:

• cystic fibrosis;
• trisomy 21 (Down syndrome);
• lung diseases: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease, or moderate to severe pulmonary arterial hypertension;
• respiratory problems caused by a muscle disorder or malformation: significant obstruction to the clearance of airway secretions due to a neuromuscular disorder or congenital abnormality of the upper airway;
• heart disease or malformation: congenital heart disease or hemodynamically significant cardiomyopathy;
• bone marrow, stem cell, or solid organ transplant.

Immunization is the best way to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and their complications. It involves administering a preventive treatment or vaccine to help the body defend itself against disease.

There is one form of preventive treatment against RSV infection for babies: the monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab).

Reactions may be caused by the preventive treatment, such as redness at the injection site. Other problems, such as colds or gastroenteritis, may occur by chance and are not related with the preventive treatment.

RSV preventive treatment is safe. In most cases, it causes no reaction.

There is one form of RSV vaccine available for adults: the inactivated RSV vaccine.

To find out more, consult the information on how vaccination works.

Reactions may be caused by the vaccine, such as redness at the injection site. Other problems may occur by chance and are not related with the vaccine, such as a cold, gastroenteritis or headache.

The inactivated RSV vaccine is safe. In the majority of cases, it does not cause any reaction.

Wait 15 minutes before leaving the site. If an allergic reaction occurs, symptoms will appear within a few minutes of preventive treatment or vaccine.

If symptoms appear, immediately inform your healthcare professional, who will be able to treat the reaction on the spot.

If there is any redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold, damp compress to the area.

Use medication for fever or discomfort as needed.

Consult a health care professional in any of the following situations:

• severe or unusual symptoms;
• symptoms worsen instead of improving;
• symptoms have lasted more than 48 hours.

The Canadian National Vaccine Safety Assessment Network (CANVAS) is carrying out a study of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab administered to eligible children. The study is being carried out under a mandate entrusted to the Institut national de la santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.

Parents will be invited to participate in the study by email eight days after the administration of the monoclonal antibody. A short survey of about five minutes will be sent to them by the INSPQ.

People who live in the Montreal, Montérégie, Laval or Estrie regions can write to infovaccination-fmss@usherbrooke.cafor more information.

People who live in another region must write to enquete-vaccin@canvas-network.ca.