Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of lower respiratory tract illness, particularly among infants, young children and older adults. RSV is a seasonal virus, with infections being more common in the winter months. In BC, RSV infections often occur between the mid-fall to the early spring.
For information, visit Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide.
Product specific vaccine information
There are currently two RSV vaccines available in B.C.:
See BCCDC Immunization Manual for details on each RSV vaccines including eligibility, dosing and schedules. Currently they are not publicly funded in B.C.
A third RSV vaccine - mRNA-1345 (mRESVIA® Moderna) was authorized in November 2024 and not yet available in B.C. (TBD)
FNHA pregnant individuals
2025 – 2026 RSV Season: As of September 11, 2025, RSV vaccine, Abrysvo™, is now covered for eligible FNHA pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation through FNHA’s Pacific Blue Cross plan, until March 31, 2026. Pharmacies may submit online claims using the pharmacist as prescriber with appropriate documentation. For coverage questions, contact First Nations Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.
To learn more, see the following resources:
- Protecting Our Future: FNHA Launches RSV Wellness Initiative for Pregnant Individuals
- PBC Provider Resources
- PBC Reference Guide – See Section 4 “Identifying Pacific Blue Cross members”
- PBC Pharmacy Fee Supplement for Clients of First Nations Health Authority (will be updated shortly).
RSV locator map
The BCPhA website has public-facing locator map of pharmacies with RSV vaccine. Pharmacies requesting to be included can enrol here: https://www.bcpharmacy.ca/form/rsv-listing. This map is updated weekly.
(Call to Inquire) indicates your pharmacy may either have supply readily available or can order the vaccine upon request (some wait time may apply).
Beyfortus® (Nirsevimab)
Nirsevimab is an infant monoclonal antibody medication. See BC Immunization Manual – Beyfortus® for product specific information.
It is available in B.C. through:
- the publicly funded RSV program (for children who meet certain eligibility criteria) or,
- pharmacies for private purchase if prescribed
In BC, the RSV season typically lasts from October to March. Because RSV activity often persists longer in rural and remote regions, administration of Nirsevimab may be extended by an additional period (until April 30, 2026), specifically, high-risk children who have not yet received prophylaxis as well as eligible infants newly discharged to designated rural or remote areas – for details, see End-of Season Notice for 2025-2026 Nirsevimab Immunoprophylaxis (amended). For all other children seasonal administration of Nirsevimab should have ended on March 31, 2026.
For details, see BC Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunoprophylaxis Program QA for Immunization Providers
Pharmacy resources:
- BC Immunization Manual RSV Vaccines
- BCCDC RSV Information for health care providers
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Arexvy (RSVpreF3) product monograph
- Abyrsvo (RSVpreF) product monograph
- NACI statement of March 13, 2025: Updated guidance on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults including the expanded use of RSVPreF3 for individuals 50 to 59 years of age and use of the new mRNA-1345 vaccine
- NACI Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants.
-
BCPhA RSV webinar available to members in their e-training accounts in the first week of October.
Client-facing resources:
- B.C. Centre for Disease Control
- Healthlink BC patient information handout
- BCPhA website -- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines in Pharmacies