Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization

Immunizations protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and are effective in preventing lower respiratory tract diseases. Immunization is particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk of infection, such as infants and older adults. 

There are two types of immunizing products available to protect against RSV:

• Vaccines: An injection that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. It takes about two weeks to provide complete protection, but it lasts longer over time.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: An injection that offers immediate protection, particularly for high-risk populations, but with a shorter duration of protection.

RSV immunization is given as an injection in the upper arm for adults and young children and in the thigh to infants. Immunization can be administered along with other vaccines.  This means earlier protection against multiple diseases and fewer appointments. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time does not compromise the effectiveness of each vaccine. 

The vaccine is offered free of charge for New Brunswick residents who are:

• 75 years of age and older
• 60 years and older living in long-term care (nursing homes and adult residential facilities)
• 60 years and older receiving alternate level of care (ALC) or waiting for placement in the long-term care sector (nursing homes and adult residential facilities)
• 60 years of age and older in rehabilitation units within hospitals (or specific rehab centers) due to an acute illness or injury, as well as those hospitalized in acute care beds awaiting transfer to these units or centers
• Indigenous individuals 60 years of age and older

A monoclonal antibody is also offered free of charge for infants who have specific medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV infection. These include:

• infants entering or born during their first RSV season who have specific medical conditions, such as prematurity, that increase their risk of severe RSV infection
• infants with certain medical conditions who are at ongoing increased risk for severe RSV disease during their second RSV season

Contact your health-care provider or local Public Health office to see if your child may be eligible.

Immunization can significantly reduce the risk of complications from the disease and the likelihood of being hospitalized.

The vaccine and monoclonal antibody should not be given if you or your child had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredient in the product or its container.

There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns, speak with your health-care provider.

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.

Reactions are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur.   For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.  Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.

With any immunization, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.

If you or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811). 

Vaccine safety for adults: In clinical trials and subsequent studies, very rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome have been reported. These data results are limited and undergoing further analysis. The safety of this vaccine will continue to be monitored.

Eligible infants born during the RSV season will receive their immunization at the hospital, before returning home. Immunization is also available at hospital-based RSV clinics.  

Long-term care residents can be immunized on site and hospitalized patients can be immunized by the hospital staff.

Individuals 75 years and older can contact their primary care provider or pharmacist. Please check the provincial scheduler appointments. 

Indigenous adults 60 years of age and over can receive their vaccine at certain primary care providers, First Nation health centre or participating pharmacy.

If a New Brunswick resident doesn’t have a New Brunswick Medicare card but is eligible for the vaccine, call 1-833-437-1424 to book an appointment.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.