Healthcare providers, public health units, and national partners have been working to raise awareness about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)—a common but potentially serious illness that affects babies, young children, and older adults. Through better education, preventative tools, and support for families, we’re changing how we approach RSV and its impact on those most vulnerable. 

Families Canada, alongside provincial health authorities and organizations like the Pediatric Care Network and the Canadian Pediatric Society, have been helping to share critical information about RSV prevention. With new tools like the preventive antibody medication Beyfortus® and the maternal vaccine Abrysvo®, families now have safe and effective options to protect their children during RSV season. 

Many parents and caregivers remember their baby’s first cold or fever: the sleepless nights, the worry, and the endless checking of tiny breaths. RSV often starts out looking like a common cold, with symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and fever. In most children, RSV is mild and clears up with rest. But for some babies, especially those under six months or with existing health conditions, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, severe respiratory distress, and even hospitalization. 

We know now that RSV isn’t just another seasonal sniffle. It’s the leading cause of respiratory illness in infants and can be life-threatening. For many years, families had few options other than waiting and watching. But today, we have real solutions, and the earlier they’re accessed, the better the outcomes. 

Thanks to ongoing research and recommendations from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), we now have two evidence-based ways to protect infants from RSV: 

• The monoclonal antibody Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), given to babies after birth
• The maternal vaccine Abrysvo®, given to pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks 

Both options are safe and effective ways to protect infants from RSV. Generally, only one is recommended, depending on the timing of your baby’s birth and your health care provider’s guidance. Currently, the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) is the preferred or first-line option for most infants, according to recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). 

Beyfortus® is not a vaccine. It’s a one-time injection given shortly after birth that works like the antibodies our bodies naturally produce to fight off germs. It begins working immediately and protects babies through their first RSV season, when they are most at risk. Clinical trials have shown that Beyfortus can reduce RSV-related hospitalization by 80–90%. 

Administration of the preventative antibody medication Beyfortus® is timed to when babies need the protection in their first RSV season. For infants born during the RSV season (which typically runs from November to April in Canada), Beyfortus® can be offered at birth. For eligible infants born prior to the RSV season, immunization may be administered by your primary care provider or local public health unit near the start of or during the RSV season. Availability and delivery of programs can vary across provinces and territories. 

For high-risk children entering a second RSV season—such as those with certain heart or lung conditions—additional eligibility may apply, depending on local public health guidance. 

For pregnant individuals, Abrysvo® provides another option for RSV protection. When given during the third trimester, this vaccine allows the pregnant individual to create RSV antibodies that can be transferred to the baby before birth for temporary protection. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada and is considered safe when given later in pregnancy. 

Whether given before or after birth, the goal is the same: to prevent RSV from becoming severe. This not only protects individual children but reduces strain on hospitals and supports community health during the winter respiratory season. 

RSV doesn't just affect infants; it can also have serious consequences for older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions or living in long-term care. For this group, RSV vaccines are also available, and co-administration with flu or COVID-19 vaccines may be recommended. 

At Families Canada, we believe that empowering families with knowledge leads to healthier outcomes. We want every parent, grandparent, and caregiver to know that RSV prevention is possible, and that you are not alone in facing this challenge. 

Speak with your healthcare provider to find out what prevention option is best for your family based on your baby’s due date or age. You can also check with your local public health unit to learn which RSV prevention options are publicly funded or available in your area. Because when we protect our most vulnerable, we build a healthier, more resilient community for everyone. 

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi. 

Families Canada