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FORTIFY YOUR FAMILY'S DEFENSES.
Protect Your Baby Against RSV!

Learn about the options available to protect your infant from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

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What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

RSV is a seasonal respiratory infection that starts like a common cold and spreads easily in infants and young children. When left untreated, infant RSV infections can lead to breathing issues resulting in hospitalization, intensive care unit admissions, and even death.
 

Luckily, new immunization options are available to protect your baby against RSV.

WhatisRSV
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Every Baby Needs Protection From RSV!

  • All infants, especially those less than 6 months old entering their first RSV season (over the fall and winter months), are at risk of RSV infection as they have no built-up immunity to the virus

  • Factors increasing the likelihood of being exposed to the virus include day care attendance, having school-age siblings, poor hand hygiene practices and crowded living situations

  • Some infants may be at higher risk of having a severe RSV infection including:

    • ​Children up to 24 months of age with certain chronic diseases or who are immunocompromised

    • Premature infants (born less than 37 weeks gestation)

What Immunization Options Are Available To Protect My Baby From RSV?

Health Canada has authorized the use of 2 new immunization options for the 2024/2025 RSV season to protect infants from RSV. Provincial availability and public funding for these immunization options vary by province.

Maternal RSV Vaccine

This vaccine is given to pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and helps them develop antibodies against RSV, which are then passed on to their baby to protect them from severe RSV infection. This maternal vaccination works similarly to how tetanus, influenza, or pertussis vaccines given to pregnant mothers help protect their infants.

Infant RSV Antibodies

This monoclonal antibody immunization consists of pre-made antibodies which are given to an infant shortly after birth. The antibodies provide passive immunization against severe RSV illness for the duration of a typical RSV season.

Are These Immunization Options Safe and Which Should I Choose?

Both RSV immunization options are safe and effective in protecting babies against severe illness and hospitalization. The choice in RSV prevention options comes down to parental preference, availability, and cost.

For the 2024/2025 RSV season, Ontario and Quebec will be publicly funding the infant RSV antibody. Ontario will also be publicly funding the maternal RSV vaccine. The maternal RSV vaccine is available across Canada and can be purchased privately with a prescription from your family doctor or other primary care provider. Some private insurers may cover all or part of the costs of immunization. 

Hundreds of thousands of patients in countries like the United States have already received the maternal RSV vaccine or infant monoclonal antibody to protect their
infants from RSV.

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What Else Can I Do To Reduce the Risk of My Baby Getting RSV?

  • Wash your hands and your child's hands often

  • Breastfeed your baby

  • Protect your baby from contact with smoke

  • Avoid putting your baby in childcare with lots of other children during their first winter season

  • Avoid contact with sick people

Where Can I Find Information About RSV Immunization Products Available In My Province?

Click on your province or territory in the tabs above for information about which RSV immunization options are available for you.

Note: This is the first RSV season these products are available for Canadians. Information on availability and access is subject to change.

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For More Information About Infant RSV Immunization, Check Out the Following Resources:

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Vaccines in Pregnancy (VIP)​  |  Immunize Canada | RSV Protect

Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada: Statement on RSV Immunization to Prevent Infant RSV Infection

The Federation of Medical Women of Canada:
RSV Recommendations for the Prevention of
Disease in Infants for the 2024-2025 RSV Season

National Institute of Public Health of Quebec:
Use of Vaccination During Pregnancy to Prevent
Serious RSV Infection in Infants in the Quebec Immunization Program

Help us raise awareness about RSV prevention by leveraging our campaign toolkit:

RSV Information for Healthcare Providers

Updates From the Public Health Agency of Canada

National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) - Statement on the prevention of RSV disease in infants

RSV Immunization Products

NACI Recommendations for RSV Immunization

RSV Immunization Product Safety

Tools to Support Your Practice

University of Calgary – Vaccine Confidence Toolkit

For information and tools to support and evaluate the effectiveness of your vaccine counselling conversations

Infant monoclonal antibody RSV prophylaxis - Virtual Simulation Games for Healthcare Providers:

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Funding to support some of 19 to Zero’s activities has been provided by Canadian research-based pharmaceutical grants. These companies have no input into, nor influence over, any aspect of the campaign activities.  Funding was received from Pfizer and Sanofi on this initiative.

© 2024 19 to Zero

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