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
Updated October 6, 2026
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 age and older.
- Residents of long-term care (LTC) and assisted living (AL) facilities who are 75 years of age and older.
- Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) people 60 years of age and older.
Program summary:
- RSV immunization is provided as a one-time vaccine. Individuals who have previously received an RSV vaccine are not eligible for a publicly funded dose.
- RSV vaccine will be available year-round, it is not available only this fall.
- A single dose is currently recommended as it provides long-lasting protection.
- Vaccine supply is currently limited and available only in select pharmacies. Supply will be reassessed following completion of LTC/AL clinics before additional doses are distributed to pharmacies.
- More vaccines will be arriving in mid-November, December and into the new year.
- The province has ordered enough supply to meet the demand of all eligible clients.
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 are asked not to proactively request mRESVIA vaccine from local health units.
- Participating pharmacies will receive instructions directly from their Health Authority including information about vaccine ordering and pick-up.
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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.
Online Booking
- Pharmacies with online booking platforms may continue to use their own systems to take RSV vaccine appointments.
- ImmsBC 2.0 (Phase 1) does not currently have the functionality to complete scheduling and documentation for RSV vaccine. These functions are planned for ImmsBC 2.0 (Phase 2) upgrades, expected in late Fall 2027.
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.
(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:
- RSV protection during pregnancy for the 2026-27 season
- 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 (October 2026)
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®