Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

What is RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common virus that tends to spread during the fall and winter. It can cause breathing illnesses in people of all ages and is one of the main reasons young children under two end up at the doctor’s office. While most adults recover quickly, RSV can sometimes lead to more serious illness in older adults or anyone with a weaker immune system.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

  • RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a cough, runny or stuffy nose, mild sore throat, earache, or fever. Most children experience only these mild symptoms, and because RSV looks like other colds, a health care provider can’t tell it’s RSV just by looking.
  • Infants may seem extra tired, fussy, or less interested in feeding. In babies, especially those born early or with other health problems RSV can cause serious lung infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. It’s actually the most common cause of lung infections in babies under one year old.
  • Sometimes RSV leads to difficulty breathing, fast breathing, wheezing, worsening coughing that can cause choking or vomiting, or significant tiredness and loss of appetite.

RSV medicine to protect against RSV

  • The RSV program offers Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS®), a medicine that helps protect babies and young children from RSV.
  • Nirsevimab is a medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It gives quick protection against RSV.
  • It is given as a shot (injection) during RSV season, usually from October to March.
  • It is available for children under two years old who meet the province’s eligibility rules.

Who is eligible to receive Nirsevimab?

  • Babies born on or after April 1, 2025, who live in any Northern Health community may be eligible to get nirsevimab. However, babies in the following communities do not meet the remote residency requirement because they live close to a health care facility:
    • Terrace
    • Vanderhoof
    • Prince George
    • Quesnel
    • Fort St. John
    • Dawson Creek
  • Babies living in rural and remote BC communities.
  • Babies born between 28 and 35 weeks after March 31, 2025.
  • Babies born before 28 weeks who are under two years of age.
  • Newborns and children under two years old with certain long-term health problems are eligible to receive Nirsevimab if they meet the province’s specific eligibility rules.
  • Nirsevimab is usually given in hospitals when a baby is born or afterwards at a Health Unit.
  • Children older than two years are too old to receive Nirsevimab. They likely have developed resistance to RSV.

Does Nirsevimab affect regular vaccines?

  • No. Babies can still get their regular shots on schedule.

Contact your local health unit to speak with a nurse to find out if your baby qualifies to receive Nirsevimab and provide more information about RSV.

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