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Protect yourself and others from RSV

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What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV infections range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections. It is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis (swelling of small airways) in certain high-risk groups, like the elderly, especially during the fall and winter months.

How can I get the RSV vaccine?

At Save-On-Foods Pharmacy! Contact your nearest Save-On-Foods pharmacy or book an appointment online.

Publicly funded mRESVIA (RSV vaccine) is available at select BC pharmacies, public health units, and community health centres for adults aged 75+ with a provincial health card and adults aged 60+ who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Please contact your local pharmacy to confirm availability.

RSV Q+A

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Cold-like symptoms which may include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headache, feeling tired, and a fever

Who are at risk?

Adults 18–59 with one or more chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, and heart failure. Those over the age of 60 are encouraged to get the vaccine to protect themselves and others from the virus. This group includes individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as:

  • Lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma)
  • heart diseases (such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
  • moderate to severe immune compromise
  • diabetes
  • neurologic or neuromuscular conditions
  • kidney disorders
  • liver disorders
  • blood disorders

Newborns are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV infections due to their developing immune systems and small airways. To help protect them, pregnant women are advised to consult their healthcare provider about receiving the RSV vaccine, typically administered between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.

What is the new vaccine?

Three RSV vaccines have been authorized for use in Canada to prevent lower lung infections caused by RSV. Both are administered intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle:

  • Arexvy is recommended for adults 60+
  • Arexvy is recommended for adults 50-59 years of age who are at increased risk of RSV
  • Abrysvo is recommended for adults 60+, adults 18 to 59 years at increased risk of RSV, and for pregnant women between 32 to 36 weeks gestation to help protect their newborns from RSV.
  • mRESVIA, Moderna is recommended for adults 60+, and adults 18 to 59 of age at increased risk of RSV.

*May not be publicly funded by your provincial health authority. A prescription may be required in selected provinces. See pharmacist for details.

Are your vaccines up to date?

Speak with your pharmacist to book an appointment.

 

What Vaccines Do You Need?

Vaccines protect you and your community from serious diseases, and adults need them too because immunity can fade and some vaccines require boosters. If you missed vaccines as a child or your immune system weakens with age, staying updated is important. Your doctor or pharmacist can review your history, recommend needed vaccines based on your health and lifestyle, and often give them during one convenient visit.

Vaccination Checklist

The chart below provides a guide to the vaccines generally recommended for adults. Some vaccines are covered by your provincial health plan or through your employer’s private health benefits plan. See your pharmacist and employer benefits department for more information.

Download the Vaccine Checklist Chart