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 three Health Canada approved RSV vaccines available in B.C.:
See BCCDC Immunization Manual for details on each RSV vaccines including eligibility, dosing and schedules.
Publicly Funded RSV Vaccine Program
Starting September 29, 2026, B.C. is introducing a 3-year publicly funded RSV vaccine program for older adults. One dose of an RSV vaccine (mResvia®) is recommended and free for:
- Adults 75 years of and older
- Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) people 60 years of age and older
RSV immunization is provided as a one-time vaccine; therefore, individuals who have previously received an RSV vaccine are not eligible for a federally funded dose.
Client access:
- Eligible individuals are notified through the provincial Get Vaccinated system beginning September 22, 2026.
- Clients will receive the publicly funded mRESVIA® vaccine through participating immunization providers, including selected community pharmacies.
- RSV vaccination appointments are not be booked through ImmsBC. This is different from influenza and COVID-19 vaccination.
Pharmacy access:
Publicly funded mRESVIA® will not be available to all community pharmacies due to limited vaccine supply.
- Health Authorities have identified and contacted pharmacies that can support the program.
- Pharmacy participation is based on community and program needs including:
- existing relationships and collaboration with local Public Health teams
- immunization services currently provided by the pharmacy, and
- geographic distribution of participating pharmacies to support equitable access across communities.
- Pharmacies should not proactively request mRESVIA vaccine from their local health unit, with the exception of Interior Health Authority*.
- Participating pharmacies will receive instructions directly from their Health Authority including information about vaccine ordering and pick-up.
*Pharmacies in Interior Health Authority: Pharmacies interested in obtaining this product should complete the following actions:
- Complete the Publicly Funded Vaccine Order Form - Fillable
- Email completed forms to IIProgram@interiorhealth.ca
- There is a limited inventory of this product, and all orders may not be fulfilled immediately, pharmacies will receive a starting allocation of 10 doses. Additional orders will be fulfilled as inventory becomes available.
- If you have any questions, please contact IIProgram@interiorhealth.ca.
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If your pharmacy does not have publicly funded mRESVIA, direct the requesting client to:
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PharmaNet Entry:
- All publicly funded RSV vaccine administrations must be entered in PharmaNet. Do not enter the administration in ImmsBC.
Resources:
- BCCDC Part 4 — Biological Products, RSV Vaccines, mRESVIA®
- Older Adult RSV Immunization Program – Q&A for Immunization Providers – September 2026
- RSV Vaccine HealthLink File
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
- BCPhA public-facing webpage: RSV Vaccines in Pharmacies
- Publicly funded vaccines (PharmaCare)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization program - Province of British Columbia
Private supply RSV vaccine pharmacy-locator map
The BCPhA website has public-facing locator map of pharmacies with private supply 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).
FNHA pregnant individuals
2026 – 2027 RSV Season: From August 20, 2026 until the end of March 2027, RSV vaccine, Abrysvo™, is covered for eligible FNHA pregnant individuals between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation through FNHA’s Pacific Blue Cross plan. 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).
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.
Resources:
- 2026-2027 Provincial Infant RSV Program eligibility criteria
- BC Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunoprophylaxis Program QA for Immunization Providers
- BC RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program
- BC Immunization Manual – Beyfortus®