Most people have heard of RSV as a winter virus that affects babies and young children. What’s less widely known is that RSV is also a significant health risk for older adults – and that effective vaccines for Canadians 60 and older are now available, with some coverage newly publicly funded in BC this fall.
At Davies Pharmacy, our immunization services include RSV vaccination for eligible North Shore residents, available now ahead of the respiratory virus season.
Why RSV Is a Serious Risk for Older Adults
Respiratory syncytial virus causes symptoms that resemble a common cold in most healthy younger adults. In older adults, the picture is very different. RSV can rapidly progress to bronchitis, pneumonia, and serious respiratory illness requiring hospitalization. People with underlying conditions including heart disease, chronic lung conditions, diabetes, and weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe outcomes.
RSV accounts for a substantial number of hospitalizations and deaths in Canadian seniors each year, yet awareness of the risk – and the vaccine – remains lower than it should be. Most older adults who haven’t heard of the RSV vaccine simply haven’t been told it exists.
Which RSV Vaccines Are Available in Canada?
There are now three vaccines available to protect older adults from RSV in Canada: RSVPreF3 (Arexvy, GSK), RSVpreF (Abrysvo, Pfizer), and mRNA-1345 (mResvia, Moderna), according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
All three are authorized for adults 60 and older. Arexvy is also authorized for adults 50 to 59 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. All three vaccines are given as a single dose.
Available evidence demonstrates that a single dose of RSV vaccine provides protection for at least three years. This means, unlike the flu shot, annual RSV vaccination is not currently recommended for most people.
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
NACI strongly recommends the RSV vaccine for everyone aged 75 and older, and for adults 65 to 74 who have certain health conditions. The vaccine is approved and available for all adults 60 and older, including those who are otherwise healthy.
If you are 60 to 74 and don’t have significant underlying health conditions, the vaccine is still available to you and may be worth discussing with your pharmacist – particularly if you live with or care for someone in a high-risk group.
Conditions that put adults at higher risk and make vaccination more strongly recommended include chronic respiratory disease (including asthma and COPD), heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological conditions, and immunocompromising conditions or treatments.
Is the RSV Vaccine Covered in BC?
This fall, BC is publicly funding mResvia as part of its older adult RSV immunization program. Eligible residents can receive mResvia at no charge through authorized pharmacies, including Davies Pharmacy.
Coverage in other provinces varies. Alberta funds the RSV vaccine for people 70 and older living in the community, and for people 60 and older in continuing care or supportive living. Ontario has also implemented provincial funding.
If you are not eligible for the publicly funded program, RSV vaccines are available for private purchase. A 2026 price survey found Arexvy ranging from approximately $219 to $308 depending on the pharmacy. Some extended health benefit plans may cover the cost, so it’s worth checking before you pay out of pocket.
When Should You Get the RSV Vaccine?
Fall is the ideal time, ahead of the respiratory virus season that typically runs from October through March. RSV vaccination can be given at the same time as the flu shot and COVID-19 booster, which makes it straightforward to combine with your other seasonal vaccines in one appointment.
Unlike the flu vaccine, which is reformulated every year to match circulating strains, the RSV vaccine does not need to be taken annually. One dose is expected to provide protection for at least three years, though guidance may be updated as more post-approval data becomes available.
Getting Your RSV Vaccine on the North Shore
With BC’s publicly funded mResvia program now in place for the 2026-27 season, this fall is the right time to act. Eligible North Shore residents can receive the RSV vaccine at Davies Pharmacy without a doctor’s referral.
Book an appointment with our team to confirm your eligibility, ask about the publicly funded program, or arrange private vaccination if you prefer a different product.
If you have questions before booking, contact us and we’ll help you understand what’s covered and what the right option is for your situation.
This Fall Is the Right Time
RSV vaccination is one of the most straightforward steps older adults can take to protect themselves this respiratory season – and with BC’s newly funded program, the barrier to getting it has dropped significantly. Don’t wait until you’re sick to think about prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RSV vaccine free in BC?
Yes, for eligible residents. BC is publicly funding mResvia this fall as part of its older adult RSV immunization program. Check with Davies Pharmacy to confirm your eligibility, or discuss private options if you prefer a different vaccine brand.
How many doses of the RSV vaccine do I need?
The RSV vaccine is a single dose. Current evidence shows protection lasts at least three years, and annual booster doses are not currently recommended.
Can I get the RSV vaccine at the same time as my flu shot?
Yes. The RSV vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu shot, the COVID-19 booster, and most other vaccines. Combining them in one visit is convenient and safe.
Who should prioritize getting the RSV vaccine?
NACI strongly recommends it for all adults 75 and older, and for adults 65 to 74 with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, or diabetes. It is approved and available for all adults 60 and older, including those who are otherwise healthy.
Do I need a prescription to get the RSV vaccine at a pharmacy?
No referral or prescription is required. BC pharmacists are authorized to assess eligibility and administer the RSV vaccine directly. Book an appointment at Davies Pharmacy to get started.