Province Expanding Access to RSV Protection for Infants, Older Nova Scotians

Infants under eight months and adults 75 years and older will soon have access to free protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Today, September 10, Nova Scotians aged 75 and older can book their free RSV vaccine through pharmacies and public health, with the first appointments Monday, September 15. Primary care providers will begin offering the vaccine in November.

The program for infants under eight months will be offered every year during the RSV season, which typically begins in late fall and lasts until spring. Newborns will be offered their dose before being discharged from hospital, and other eligible infants can receive their dose from their primary care provider or public health. This year, the program runs from October 15 to April 30.

“We are committed to supporting a healthy and thriving population,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “That’s why we are delivering on our promise of free protection against RSV to help keep our most vulnerable Nova Scotians healthy this season.”

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to severe complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults.

These additions build on the existing RSV immunization programs for adults living in long-term care and children under two years of age with certain health conditions.

Adults age 75 years and older can book their vaccine online at http://novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling 1-833-797-7772.

Quotes:

“The introduction of a program to prevent serious RSV infection in young Nova Scotian infants is a turning point in the health of this vulnerable population. In other provinces and countries, a single dose of nirsevimab prior to the annual RSV outbreak has reduced hospital admissions by up to 85 per cent. In addition to protecting these babies, prevention of RSV lung infection will ease pressure on emergency rooms and hospital beds in the busy winter season.”
— Dr. Joanne Langley, Head, Division of Infectious Diseases, IWK Health, and professor, pediatrics and community health and epidemiology, Dalhousie University

“On behalf of the Seniors Advisory Council, we believe this action demonstrates and acknowledges the impact of RSV on older adults. It is well documented that respiratory infections can be considerably more complex in seniors and having access to this vaccine will enable better outcomes for this vulnerable population.”
— Alyson Hillier and David Fletcher, co-chairs, Seniors Advisory Council of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the Province is investing $6.9 million in 2025-2026 to protect Nova Scotians against RSV
• newborns will be offered Beyfortus (nirsevimab), which is not a vaccine but a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides season-long protection, before being discharged from hospital
• eligible babies born before October 15, or those who missed getting their dose in the hospital, can receive the Beyfortus (nirsevimab) immunization from their primary care provider; public health will help those without primary care
• most infants only need one dose to protect them in their first RSV season; some children will also need a dose in their second RSV season
• adults 75 and older will be offered the vaccine Arexvy or Abrysvo and need only one lifetime dose of the vaccine to protect against RSV

Additional Resources:

Information on immunization schedules is available at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf