Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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Immunization products against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are safe and effective in preventing lower respiratory tract diseases caused by RSV. Immunization is particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk of infection, such as infants, young children and older adults. 

There are two types of immunizing products available to protect against RSV:

• Vaccines: Injection that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. It takes about two weeks to provide complete protection, but it lasts longer over time.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: Injection, similar to a vaccine, that offers immediate protection, particularly for high-risk populations, but with a shorter duration of protection.

Immunization can significantly reduce the risk of complications from the disease and the likelihood of being hospitalized.

RSV immunization is given as an injection in the upper arm for adults and young children and in the thigh to infants.

Immunization products can be co-administered with other vaccines. 

In New Brunswick, the RSV vaccine is provided free of charge for these targeted adult groups (one dose only is needed):

• Starting fall 2025, individuals 75 years of age and older.
• Individuals 60 years and older living in the long-term care sector (nursing homes and adult residential facilities).
• Individuals 60 years and older hospitalized receiving alternate level of care (ALC), waiting for placement in the long-term care sector (nursing homes and adult residential facilities).
• Individuals 60 years of age and older hospitalized in rehabilitation units within hospitals (or specific rehab centers) due to an acute illness or injury as well as those hospitalized in acute care beds awaiting transfer to these units or centers.

A monoclonal antibody is also offered free of charge in New Brunswick for specific groups of children identified as being at high risk of contracting RSV. These groups include:

• Infants entering or born during their first RSV season who have specific medical conditions, such as prematurity, that increase their risk of severe RSV infection.
  
• Infants with certain medical conditions who are at ongoing increased risk for severe RSV disease during their second RSV season.

Contact your health care provider or public health offices to see if your child may be eligible.

The vaccine and the monoclonal antibody are contraindicated if you had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredients of the vaccine or its container.

Reactions are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions may include soreness, redness, rash (for children receiving monoclonal antibody) and swelling where the injection was given. Fever may also occur. 

With any immunization, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes following immunization. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Any unexpected or serious reaction should be reported to your health-care provider.

Vaccine safety for adults: In clinical trials and subsequent studies conducted on the RSV vaccine for adults, very rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome have been reported. These data are limited and undergoing further analysis.  The safety of this vaccine will continue to be monitored.

Treating reactions

• A cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort. 
• For discomfort and fever, you can take or give your child medicine by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask your healthcare provider what medicine is best.

Eligible infants born during the RSV season will receive their immunization at the hospital, before returning home.  Immunization is also available at hospital-based RSV clinics.  

Long-term care residents can be immunized on-site and hospitalized patients can be immunized by the hospital staff.

Individuals 75 years and older living in the community can contact their primary care provider or their local pharmacist. Please check the provincial scheduler for pharmacy appointments. 

To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your MyHealthNB account. Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB.

The paper record provided at the time of immunization will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, you can send an email to:  [email protected] .

If your immunization record is not available at MyHealthNB contact the place you received your immunizations: your health-care provider, your pharmacist or your local Public Health.