RSV Vaccines in Canada 2025: Approval, Eligibility, Safety, and How Seniors Can Get Protected

RSV vaccines are now approved in Canada for adults 60+. Discover eligibility, safety, and where to get vaccinated. A complete guide for seniors, families, and caregivers to reduce risks from RSV this winter.

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, has always been a concern for infants. But in recent years, the risks for older adults have come into sharper focus. Each winter, RSV spreads widely in Canada, leading to thousands of hospitalizations among seniors. Until recently, prevention relied mostly on supportive care and managing symptoms. That changed in 2023 and 2024 when Health Canada approved several new RSV vaccines for adults aged 60 and over.

For seniors and their families, this is a major shift. With vaccines now available, the risk of serious RSV illness can be reduced in much the same way as influenza or COVID-19. This guide explains what RSV is, why older adults are especially vulnerable, and what the new vaccine approvals mean in practice. Whether you are in your 60s, caring for an elderly parent, or working in a long-term care setting, understanding these developments can help you make informed health decisions.

What Is RSV and Why It Matters for Older Adults

Understanding the Virus

RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. In healthy young adults, it often feels like a bad cold. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, mild fever, and fatigue. But in certain groups, the virus can trigger more severe illness, including pneumonia and bronchitis.

How RSV Spreads

Like influenza, RSV spreads through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also linger on surfaces such as doorknobs and railings. Outbreaks typically peak in the late fall and winter months, often overlapping with flu season.

Why Older Adults Are at Higher Risk

The danger of RSV lies not in how common it is, but in how serious it can become for seniors. Adults over 60, particularly those over 75, are more likely to develop complications. The reasons are clear:

• Weakened immunity: Our immune system’s response slows with age.
• Chronic health conditions: Diseases like heart failure, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increase vulnerability.
• Frailty and long-term care residency: Seniors living in nursing homes face higher exposure and limited ability to fight infection.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, RSV leads to thousands of hospitalizations among Canadian adults each year, with seniors making up a large share of severe cases. U.S. data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that RSV causes between 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations annually in adults 65 and older, underscoring its burden on aging populations.

Comparing RSV With Other Respiratory Viruses

RSV is not as widely recognized as influenza or COVID-19, but it poses similar risks in older adults. The table below shows how RSV compares with the flu and COVID-19 in terms of impact on seniors.

Recent Canadian Approvals and Regulatory Landscape

A Turning Point for RSV Prevention

Until very recently, there were no approved vaccines for RSV in adults. That changed in 2023 and 2024, when Health Canada authorized three different products. Together, they give seniors and their healthcare providers more options for preventing serious illness.

Approved Vaccines in Canada

• GSK’s Arexvy (RSVPreF3)
  First approved in August 2023 for adults 60 years and older, Arexvy became the very first RSV vaccine available in Canada. In late 2024, Health Canada expanded its approval to include adults aged 50–59 who have underlying conditions that put them at higher risk.
• Pfizer’s Abrysvo (RSVpreF)
  Approved in December 2023 for adults 60+, Abrysvo works slightly differently but is based on a similar protein subunit approach. In the United States, it is also approved for use in pregnant women to protect newborns, though this specific use has not yet been authorized in Canada.
• Moderna’s mRESVIA (mRNA-1345)
  On November 6, 2024, Health Canada authorized mRESVIA, an mRNA-based RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older. This approval was significant because it marked the first time an mRNA technology was used against RSV, similar in principle to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines.

These approvals followed large-scale clinical trials showing that the vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV.

Who Reviews and Monitors RSV Vaccines

All vaccines in Canada are reviewed by Health Canada’s Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate. After approval, safety and effectiveness are continually monitored through post-market surveillance. If new risks emerge, regulators can issue updated guidance or restrictions.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) plays a central role in shaping how these vaccines are recommended. Their detailed guidance helps provinces and territories decide how to roll out immunization programs. In March 2025, NACI reaffirmed its recommendations for adults 75+, while also noting that individuals 60–74 may benefit depending on their health and exposure risks. The full NACI summary is available through Canada’s official public health site.

Timeline of Key Milestones

Why This Matters Now

With three different vaccines available, Canada joins the U.S., the U.K., and parts of Europe in offering older adults new protection against RSV. The approvals also open the door for provinces to design targeted programs. For example, Ontario has already begun offering free RSV vaccination to adults 75 and over in long-term care, with other provinces expected to follow suit.

For seniors, caregivers, and family members, the key message is that prevention is now possible. No longer does RSV have to be managed only after infection occurs—vaccination can play a real role in keeping older Canadians healthy during winter virus season.

How Effective Are RSV Vaccines?

Evidence From Clinical Trials

The approval of RSV vaccines in Canada was based on large, international trials involving tens of thousands of older adults. These studies showed that the vaccines can reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract infections, hospitalizations, and serious complications.

• Arexvy (GSK): Clinical trials found an 82% reduction in RSV-related lower respiratory disease during the first RSV season after vaccination. Effectiveness remained around 56% into a second season, though data beyond two years are still limited.
• Abrysvo (Pfizer): Demonstrated 67% protection against RSV illness in older adults during its first season of testing. Its performance against severe disease was higher, offering close to 85% protection.
• mRESVIA (Moderna): As the newest vaccine, results showed 83% protection against lower respiratory disease in adults 60 and older. Like Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, it uses mRNA technology, which may offer advantages for rapid updates if the virus changes.

These results have been reviewed by both Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, underscoring their reliability.

Duration of Protection

One of the most common questions is how long these vaccines last. Current evidence suggests at least one RSV season of strong protection, with declining but still meaningful immunity in the following year. NACI has not yet recommended annual RSV vaccination for all adults, but this may evolve as more data emerge.

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Most people experience mild side effects, such as:

• Soreness or swelling at the injection site
• Fatigue, headache, or muscle aches
• Low-grade fever

In very rare cases, signals of neurological conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome have been reported. However, no causal link has been proven, and regulators continue to monitor closely. For most seniors, the benefits of preventing hospitalization far outweigh the risks.

Comparing Effectiveness

Each of the three vaccines offers similar levels of protection, but they differ in formulation and duration of study. The table below summarizes their profiles:

Real-World Effectiveness

Since widespread use only began in 2023, real-world data in Canada are still being collected. Early reports from the U.S. suggest that hospitalizations among vaccinated seniors have been substantially lower compared with unvaccinated peers. More Canadian-specific data will become available as provinces expand their RSV immunization programs.

Who Is Eligible for RSV Vaccination in Canada?

Core Recommendations

Not everyone needs the RSV vaccine, but certain groups are strongly advised to consider it. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the highest priority is older adults most at risk of severe disease. The current guidance (updated March 2025) recommends:

• Adults 75 years and older: Strongly recommended, regardless of health status.
• Residents of long-term care homes or chronic care facilities: Strong recommendation, given the high risk of outbreaks in these settings.
• Adults aged 60–74: May be offered the vaccine if they have chronic conditions, weakened immunity, or other risk factors.
• Adults aged 50–59 with significant underlying conditions: Eligible for GSK’s Arexvy, following Health Canada’s expanded approval.

Who Should Talk to Their Doctor First

Even if you fall into the eligible age group, it’s wise to discuss your situation with a healthcare provider. You should seek medical advice if you:

• Recently had a severe allergic reaction to another vaccine.
• Have an immune system disorder or are on immunosuppressive medication.
• Experienced neurological issues after a past vaccination.

Doctors can help weigh the benefits and potential risks in your personal context.

When Vaccination May Not Be Recommended

For some adults, waiting or avoiding the RSV vaccine may be appropriate. This includes:

• People with current moderate or severe illness (vaccination should be delayed until recovery).
• Those who experienced a serious allergic reaction to any component of the RSV vaccine.
• Adults who are not yet in the highest-risk category and do not have health conditions that elevate their vulnerability.

Practical Guidance on Decision-Making

For many older Canadians, deciding whether to get the RSV vaccine will come down to age, health conditions, and living environment. NACI suggests that adults aged 60–74 discuss their situation with a healthcare provider, as vaccination may be particularly helpful if they have chronic lung disease, heart conditions, diabetes, or frailty.

The Canadian Immunization Guide also provides detailed clinical recommendations for providers, which you can review on Canada’s official vaccine resource.

Quick Reference: Who Should Get Vaccinated

How to Get Vaccinated in Canada

Publicly Funded Programs

Whether you can receive the RSV vaccine for free depends on where you live. Provinces and territories decide how to roll out publicly funded programs. As of fall 2024, several provinces began offering free RSV vaccines to adults 75 and older and to residents of long-term care homes.

For example, Ontario launched a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program that covers seniors 75+, as well as high-risk adults 60–74. Other provinces, such as British Columbia and Quebec, are considering similar programs for the 2025 season.

This means coverage may look different depending on your postal code. Seniors should check their provincial or territorial health ministry websites or ask a healthcare provider about eligibility.

Private Purchase Options

If you do not qualify for a free vaccine under a public program, you may still access it through pharmacies, travel clinics, or a family physician. In most provinces, the RSV vaccines are available by private purchase with a prescription.

The out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $200 to $300 per dose, depending on the product and provider. Some private health insurance or employer benefit plans may cover part of the cost. Seniors should check with their insurance provider before booking.

Where to Get Vaccinated

• Community Pharmacies: Many large pharmacy chains are stocking RSV vaccines, often alongside flu and COVID-19 shots.
• Family Doctors and Nurse Practitioners: Primary care providers can prescribe and administer the vaccine.
• Public Health Clinics: In some provinces, seasonal immunization clinics offer RSV vaccines in addition to flu shots.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Residents may receive the vaccine through on-site programs coordinated with public health.

Best Timing for Vaccination

RSV season typically runs from late fall through early spring. NACI recommends vaccinating in early fall (September–October), before virus activity rises. However, vaccination later in the season can still provide protection.

Quick Guide: Accessing RSV Vaccines

For the most up-to-date guidance, seniors should review resources from the Public Health Agency of Canada and their provincial health ministry before booking.

Comparing RSV Vaccines With Other Respiratory Vaccines

RSV vs. Influenza and COVID-19

Older adults are now encouraged to consider several different vaccines each fall: influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. While all three target respiratory viruses, they differ in their purpose and timing.

• Influenza vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains. Seniors are typically offered a high-dose flu shot because it creates a stronger immune response.
• COVID-19 boosters are updated seasonally to provide ongoing protection against evolving variants.
• RSV vaccines are newer and do not yet require annual dosing for everyone, though this may change as more data emerges.

The Government of Canada’s seasonal respiratory virus guidance highlights how these vaccines work together to lower hospitalizations during winter.

Can They Be Taken Together?

Yes, RSV vaccines can be given at the same time as flu and COVID-19 shots, though some people prefer to space them out to reduce overlapping side effects like fatigue or arm soreness. NACI advises that co-administration is safe, and it may be more convenient for seniors who want to complete their seasonal immunizations in a single appointment.

If vaccines are not given at the same visit, it is safe to get them within days or weeks of each other.

Key Differences at a Glance

Why Layered Protection Matters

Having multiple respiratory vaccines available means that older adults can reduce the risk of being hospitalized by more than one virus. This is especially important in Canada’s colder months, when influenza, COVID-19, and RSV often circulate at the same time. For caregivers and families, encouraging loved ones to stay up to date on all three vaccines can make a real difference in preventing complications.

Advice for Caregivers and Family Members

Supporting Seniors Through Vaccination

Caring for an older adult often means helping them make health decisions. With RSV vaccines now available, families play an important role in encouraging loved ones to stay protected. Caregivers can:

• Help schedule appointments at pharmacies or clinics.
• Provide transportation if mobility or access is an issue.
• Monitor for side effects after vaccination, such as arm soreness or fatigue.
• Reinforce prevention by promoting good hand hygiene and mask use in crowded spaces during RSV season.

The Role of “Cocooning”

Another way to protect seniors is through “cocooning.” This approach involves vaccinating close contacts—spouses, caregivers, and household members—against respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19. While RSV vaccines are not yet licensed for younger adults outside of specific conditions, keeping the household up to date on all other vaccines helps reduce the chance of bringing viruses into the home.

Recognizing Symptoms Early

Even with vaccination, RSV infections can still occur. Families should know the warning signs that may require medical attention, such as:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Persistent cough or chest pain
• Sudden fatigue or confusion
• High fever that does not improve

Early detection matters. Prompt care can prevent an infection from progressing into pneumonia or severe respiratory failure.

Why Family Involvement Matters

Studies show that seniors who have active caregiver involvement are more likely to follow through on vaccinations and attend follow-up care. The Public Health Agency of Canada emphasizes the importance of family support, especially for those living in long-term care or assisted living facilities.

Quick Tips for Caregivers

Myths, Concerns, and FAQs About RSV Vaccines

Myth 1: “RSV isn’t serious for adults.”

RSV is often thought of as a childhood illness, but that is misleading. While most healthy adults experience only mild cold-like symptoms, older adults face a much higher risk of severe complications. Each year in Canada, RSV contributes to thousands of hospitalizations among seniors, with outcomes that can be as serious as influenza or COVID-19.

Myth 2: “If I get the vaccine, I won’t catch RSV.”

No vaccine is 100% effective. RSV vaccines lower the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, but mild infections can still occur. The main goal is preventing complications that lead to long hospital stays or respiratory failure.

Myth 3: “I already had RSV, so I don’t need the vaccine.”

Past infection does not provide lasting immunity. People can catch RSV multiple times in their lifetime. Vaccination offers stronger and more consistent protection, especially for older adults.

Concern: “Are these vaccines safe for my age?”

Clinical trials included tens of thousands of older participants, many with chronic health conditions. Side effects were generally mild and temporary, such as arm pain or fatigue. Rare safety signals, like Guillain-Barré syndrome, are being monitored, but health agencies continue to recommend vaccination because the benefits outweigh the risks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Canada both track ongoing safety data.

Concern: “Will I need to get it every year like the flu shot?”

At this point, Health Canada has not recommended annual RSV vaccination for everyone. Data suggest protection lasts at least one RSV season, with partial immunity in the second year. Whether boosters will be needed regularly is still under study.

Concern: “Can I take RSV, flu, and COVID vaccines together?”

Yes. NACI guidance confirms it is safe to receive RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit. Some people may prefer spacing them out to reduce side effects, but there is no medical reason they must be separated.

FAQ Quick Guide

Conclusion: Taking Action Against RSV in Canada

The approval of RSV vaccines in Canada marks a turning point for seniors’ health. For the first time, older adults have a way to lower their risk of severe respiratory illness from RSV, a virus that has long been underestimated in its impact on older populations.

With three vaccines now available—Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA—Canadians over 60 can make informed decisions alongside their healthcare providers. The strongest recommendations currently focus on adults 75 and older, as well as those living in long-term care facilities. Adults aged 60–74, especially those with chronic health conditions, should consider discussing RSV vaccination at their next medical appointment.

Why It Matters for Families

For caregivers and loved ones, RSV prevention is not just about avoiding illness—it’s about maintaining independence, reducing hospital stays, and protecting quality of life. Family members can help by staying informed, supporting scheduling and transportation, and recognizing early signs of infection if it does occur.

Steps You Can Take Today

• Check eligibility: Review your province’s public health site or speak to your doctor to see if you qualify for free vaccination.
• Plan timing: Aim for early fall vaccination before RSV season peaks, though later protection is still valuable.
• Layer protection: Keep up to date with influenza and COVID-19 shots, which can safely be given alongside RSV vaccines.
• Stay informed: Use trusted resources like Canada.ca’s vaccine portal for the latest guidance.

Looking Ahead

As Canada collects more real-world data on RSV vaccines, recommendations may evolve. Annual or periodic boosters could become the norm, much like flu and COVID-19. For now, the key takeaway is that seniors and their families have new tools to prevent serious illness.

Final Word

RSV has long been overlooked compared with flu and COVID-19, but it is now recognized as a major cause of illness in older Canadians. With Health Canada’s approval of multiple RSV vaccines, seniors finally have a means of protection that was not available just a few years ago.

If you or a loved one are over 60, take time to learn about your options. Speak with your healthcare provider, explore provincial coverage programs, and consider RSV vaccination as part of your seasonal health plan. By doing so, you’ll be taking an important step toward safer winters and better long-term health.

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