Respiratory Syncytial Virus Program

What is RSV?

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes cold like symptoms.
• RSV affects the lungs and breathing, especially in infants and young children.
• RSV is the most common cause of a serious chest infection called “bronchiolitis”, a serious infection that needs hospitalization, and can be life-threatening.
• Spreads very easily from person to person.
• Most common from October to March in Saskatchewan.
• Most children have had an RSV infection by the age of two, but the younger the child is when they have RSV the first time, the more severe the symptoms can be, and the higher the risk of needing to be hospitalized.
• The average age of a child needing hospital admission for severe RSV is five months.
• Most babies who are hospitalized due to RSV were born otherwise healthy and near the expected due date.
• RSV infection can be especially dangerous for infants and children who have medical concerns that affect the lungs or heart. Examples of medical conditions are lung disease of prematurity, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, Down Syndrome, neuromuscular diseases, and airway challenges.

Symptoms of RSV

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Low energy
• Drinking or eating less
• Wheezing
• Irritability

Seek medical attention right away if your child is having trouble breathing, or if their symptoms are getting worse.

How can I protect my child from RSV?

• A protective antibody medication, called nirsevimab is available for infants born during the RSV season (October 1 – March 31), to be given shortly after birth, before discharge from hospital.
• Avoid large crowds and people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often, and the hands of other children in the home.
• Do not allow others to kiss baby on the face.
• Do not allow people to smoke near your child.

Infant Protection from RSV with nirsevimab

What is nirsevimab?

• Nirsevimab is a preventative antibody that is provided as a one-time injection for babies in their first RSV season, and for high-risk children in their second RSV season.
• Nirsevimab is NOT a vaccine, it works by acting like the antibodies made by our own bodies, that help get rid of germs and harmful substances.
• Nirsevimab has been shown to be effective at preventing severe RSV in babies and children for at least five months after injection.

Is nirsevimab safe?

• Research from around the world, including Canada, shows that nirsevimab is safe for newborns, infants, and children up to age three.
• Side effects after receiving nirsevimab are generally mild and last a few days at most.
• Common side effects include redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site, rash, and mild fever.
• Severe reactions to nirsevimab are possible, but extremely rare.

How is nirsevimab given?

Nirsevimab is given as a one-time injection, prior to discharge from hospital after birth.

Who is eligible to receive nirsevimab?

• Babies born during the RSV season (October 1 – March 31)
• Babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation in 2025
• Babies born at less than 36 weeks gestation after April 1, 2025.
• Children up to 2 years of age who remain at risk of severe RSV illness in their first or second season*.

*Speak to your primary care provider if you think your child may be at continued high risk from RSV.

When can my child receive nirsevimab?

• If your child is born between October 1 and March 31 (during the RSV season).
• Nirsevimab can be provided right after birth, up until the day of discharge from hospital.
• Nirsevimab will only be available in hospital, prior to discharge after birth, unless your child meets high-risk program criteria.

What about the maternal vaccine, Abrysvo™?

• Abrysvo™ (RSVpreF) is available for pregnant people to receive between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy, and offers some protection from RSV for the newborn.
• Abrysvo™ is not publicly funded in Saskatchewan and must be paid out of pocket at the pharmacy.
• Studies show 50-57% fewer infant hospitalizations due to severe RSV, after Abrysvo™, but if infants receive nirsevimab, there were 87-90% fewer infant hospitalizations due to severe RSV.
• The Canadian National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) recommends nirsevimab for maximum infant protection from RSV.
• Babies whose parent or gestational carrier receive Abrysvo™ more than two weeks prior to delivery will NOT be eligible for nirsevimab (unless born prematurely, or with other high-risk factors).