Immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections

The RSV immunization campaign for babies has been running since September 30, 2025.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization for babies consists of the administration of a preventive treatment to eligible children.

The treatment is a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, which provides babies with pre-made antibodies to protect them from severe infections caused by RSV.

It is free during the RSV immunization campaign (usually in fall and winter) for:

• babies born on or after April 1st of the current year;
• babies who have a higher risk of complications and who were born on or after February 1st of the current year, namely, babies who:
  • babies were born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy who would not have received it,
    OR
  • babies have at least one of the conditions that increase the risk of complications;

Some babies who have at least one of the conditions that increase the risk of complications may be eligible for a dose in their second season.

Conditions that increase the risk of complications:

• 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.

Babies born during the RSV season will be offered preventive treatment at a hospital or birthing center.

For eligible babies who didn't receive it at birth, it is be possible to book an appointment on Clic Santé, during the RSV season.

Appointments can also be made by calling 1‑877‑644‑4545 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

If you live in the Nunavik region, call your health center. If you live in the Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James region, visit the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay website.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization campaign for eligible adults is in progress.

Immunization against RSV infection in adults consists of the administration of a vaccine.

This vaccine is administered free of charge to the following people:

• People aged 60 and over living in CHSLD or Intermediate Resources – Support for Autonomy
• Individuals aged 75 and over living in RPA in categories 3 and 4 (due to their vulnerability)

Those targeted will be informed before the vaccination is offered in their residence. No appointment is necessary.

The vaccine is recommended for the following individuals, but is not offered free of charge:

• Individuals aged 75 and over living in RPA
• Individuals aged 75 and over with a chronic illness
• people aged 18 and over who have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant in the previous two years or a lung transplant

The vaccine is authorized for the following individuals, but is not offered free of charge:

• Pregnant women between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy, to protect the newborn baby
• People aged 60 years and older
• People 50 years of age or older who are at risk of complications from RSV

To find out how much it will cost, contact your medical clinic or pharmacy.

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.