Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV is common around the world and is most active in Canada during the fall and winter months (when people in Canada are most likely to catch RSV and become sick). Symptoms of RSV are usually similar to that of the common cold, and for most people, the illness itself is generally mild.

RSV enters your body through your mouth, eyes, and nose through infected droplets. It is spread through close contact with others (e.g., someone who is infected coughs or sneezes next to you, or through sharing personal items such as drinks), and by touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., touching a countertop that an infected person recently touched or sneezed next to).

Symptoms typically appear two to eight days after someone has been exposed to RSV and can include coughing, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and a decrease in appetite and energy.

Check out our resources on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization and share with your network!

For the Public

For Healthcare Professionals

Campaigns and Awareness Materials

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For the Public

Charts

Products available in Canada to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

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Factsheets

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): What you need to know

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Preventing RSV in infants: What you need to know

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Preventing RSV in infants: Know your product options

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RSV vaccines in pregnancy: What you need to know

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Patient Videos

Protecting infants from RSV

Preventing RSV: What you need to know

Eitan's story

Video | Preventing RSV infection in young children: A guide for parents and caregivers | By: Dr. Paul Roumeliotis in partnership with Immunize Canada

For Healthcare Professionals

Pocket Guide for Immunizers

Pocket Guide for Immunizers: RSV Vaccines and Immunizing Agents

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Video | Recent advances in the prevention of RSV disease in infants: A guide for healthcare professionals | By: Dr. Paul Roumeliotis in partnership with Immunize Canada

NACI Statements

Canadian Immunization Guide chapter update: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. 09 April 2025. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Summary of NACI statement of March 13, 2025: Updated guidance on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults including the expanded use of RSVPreF3 for individuals 50 to 59 years of age and use of the new mRNA-1345 vaccine. 13 March 2025. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease in older adults. 12 July 2024. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Summary of NACI statement of July 12, 2024: Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease in older adults. 12 July 2024. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Canadian Immunization Guide: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. Updated August 2024. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants. 17 May 2024. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Summary of the NACI Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants. 17 May 2024. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants: Supplementary systematic review of economic evidence. 17 May 2024. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Canadian Immunization Guide. Public Health Agency of Canada. Updated 21 June 2024.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Prevention and risks. Public Health Agency of Canada. May 2024.

Campaigns and Awareness Materials

Posters | Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

Good news!

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Have you heard?

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Is there a vaccine that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

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Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

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Did you know?

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50 to 74 years of age?

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Do you live in a nursing home or other chronic care facility?

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Do you provide care for a loved one living in a chronic care facility?

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Who should get immunized against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

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Posters | Want to know something interesting?

Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

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Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

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Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

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Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

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Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

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Want to know something interesting?

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Have you heard of Palivizumab (PVZ) or Nirsevimab?

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Want to know something interesting?

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Social Media Images | Do you know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV?)

Protect your child against RSV by getting them immunized

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Protect your child against RSV by getting them immunized

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Protect your child against RSV by getting them immunized

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