Expanded RSV protection keeping more Islanders out of the hospital

Prince Edward Island is seeing a sharp decline in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) hospitalizations among infants and seniors following last fall’s expanded RSV protection program.

Since the RSV protection program was first introduced in fall 2024, and expanded in fall 2025, RSV hospitalizations have declined by 93% among infants and 52% among seniors so far this season.

“This program shows what’s possible when prevention is prioritized. We are making it easier for Islanders to access RSV protection and seeing a real difference for families and seniors across the province. Seeing fewer hospitalizations is extremely encouraging, and it means our youngest and oldest Islanders are better protected while easing pressure on the health system.”

-Minister of Health and Wellness Cory Deagle. 

Preventing serious RSV infection is especially important for infants and seniors, who are more likely to become dangerously ill and experience complications when infected.

The RSV program began in fall 2024, offering vaccines to residents of long-term and community care homes. In fall 2025 the province expanded the program to include infants and seniors 75+ living independently in the community. Infants born during RSV season receive protection before leaving hospital, while other eligible infants receive it through Public Health Nursing. Islanders aged 75+ can also receive free RSV protection through Public Health Nursing.

“The steady decline we’re seeing in RSV hospitalizations is a great sign of progress,” said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison. “Behind these numbers are infants and seniors who were protected from serious illness, which is extremely reassuring from a public health perspective.”

Expanding eligibility and delivery locations has reduced barriers like extra appointments and transportation needs, making RSV protection easier to access for infants, seniors, and their caregivers.

For more information on RSV protection, visit the Flu, Covid 19, and RSV Vaccination webpage. 

Media contact:
McKendra Deveau
Department of Health and Wellness
mckendradeveau@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder: 

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus and a leading cause of respiratory illness in infants, young children, and older adults. While many infections are mild, RSV can cause serious complications such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and hospitalization, particularly among people at higher risk, including:
    • Infants under six months of age
    • Premature babies
    • Adults aged 75 and older
    • People with chronic health conditions
  • Since the launch of the RSV protection program, there has been a significant reduction in Islanders impacted by this disease during respiratory season.
    • RSV-related hospitalizations among Islanders less than 1 year of age:
      • 2023/24 respiratory season: 40
      • 2025-26 respiratory season (as of April 18th): 3
    • RSV-related hospitalizations among Islanders 65 years of age and older:
      • 2023/24 respiratory season: 33
      • 2025-26 respiratory season (as of April 18th): 16
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