Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines in Pharmacies

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common virus that infects the lungs and airways. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms of RSV include a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, fever, sore throat and loss of appetite.RSV infection can result in more serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia (lung infections). It can also lead to worsening of other medical conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Read more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection at B.C. HealthLink.

There are 3 Health Canada approved RSV vaccines that protect against infection from respiratory syncytial virus. The vaccines are either protein subunit vaccines (Abrysvo® and Arexvy®) or an mRNA vaccine (mResvia®). For more information on the vaccines, click here.

Beginning in fall 2026, B.C. is introducing a time limited publicly funded RSV vaccine program for older adults. One dose of an RSV vaccine (mResvia®) is recommended and free for:

• Adults 75 years of and older
• Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) people 60 years of age and older

Only one dose of vaccine is recommended for protection. People who previously received a dose of any RSV vaccine are not eligible for a dose of mResvia®. For more information about who should get a RSV vaccine, click here.

Because supplies of mRESVIA® are limited, vaccine availability may differ depending on where you live. It may only be available at certain pharmacies, public health units, community health centres, or nursing stations in First Nations communities. Residents of eligible long-term care and assisted living facilities can get the vaccine through their facility.

If you are eligible and would like to be vaccinated, please contact the Provincial Vaccine Call Centre at 1-833-838-2323, or click the Health Authority link below to find a participating pharmacy.

• Interior Health (Under "Medicine that protects against RSV" click on on "For older adults" for a downloadable list of pharmacies)
• Island Health
• Fraser Health
• Northern Health (Contact your local pharmacy. If there is no pharmacy that gives vaccines in your community, contact your local community health centre.)
• Vancouver Coastal Health

From August 20, 2026, until the end of March 2027, First Nations Health Benefits will cover the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, at pharmacies for eligible First Nations people who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant. No out-out-of-pocket expenses are required. Speak to your pharmacist to learn more. 

There are currently three RSV vaccines available for purchase at pharmacies in B.C. If you are not eligible for a publicly funded RSV vaccine, or if you would prefer a different RSV vaccine, refer to our map of pharmacies offering private purchase RSV vaccines and talk to a pharmacist about your options. Your pharmacist can help you choose the vaccine that is most appropriate for your age, health status, and individual needs. These vaccines are:

AREXVY (GSK)

• Adults 75 years of age and older
• Adults 65 to 74 years of age with certain chronic health conditions
• Those 18 years of age and older who:
  • Are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
  • Had a lung transplant
  • Had a stem-cell transplant
  • Are on home oxygen or require oxygen therapy
  • Are receiving dialysis

ABRYSVO® (Pfizer)

• Adults 60 years of age and older
• Adults 65 to 74 years of age with certain chronic health conditions
• Those 18 years of age and older who: 
  • Are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
  • Had a lung transplant
  • Had a stem-cell transplant
  • Are on home oxygen or require oxygen therapy
  • Are receiving dialysis
• Pregnant women and pregnant people who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant to protect infants from RSV

 mRESVIA® Moderna*

• Adults 75 years of age and older
• Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) individuals 60 years of age and older
• Adults 65 to 74 years of age with certain chronic health conditions
• Those 18 years of age and older who: 
  • Are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
  • Had a lung transplant
  • Had a stem-cell transplant
  • Are on home oxygen or require oxygen therapy
  • Are receiving dialysis

*mRESVIA is the only RSV vaccine that is available under the publicly funded RSV vaccine program for older adults.