Province expands RSV protection for infants and seniors

The provincial government is expanding its RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) prevention programs to better protect Islanders who are most at risk of serious illness from the virus - infants and seniors.

Starting this October, all infants will be eligible to receive Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides season-long protection against RSV. Additionally starting in September, all seniors aged 75 and older will now be eligible to receive the RSV vaccine ABRYSVO™ to protect against RSV through the province’s immunization program.

This builds on last year’s expansion of RSV protection to residents of long-term care and community care homes.

 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to severe complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults. In recent years, PEI has seen a rise in RSV-related hospitalizations among young children and seniors.

 

Prince Edward Island joins other provinces in adopting universal infant protection with Beyfortus® and extending protection to all adults 75 years and older.

“These steps reflect our commitment to the health and well-being of Islanders at every stage of life,” said Dr. Morrison. “Whether you are welcoming a new baby or supporting an aging loved one, these programs provide added protection during RSV season.”

 

 

Media contact:

Maureen Coulter
Department of Health and Wellness
maureencoulter@gov.pe.ca

 

Backgrounder:

RSV is a leading cause of respiratory illness in infants, young children, and old adults. While many cases are mild, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and hospitalization, particularly for:

  • Infants under six months of age
  • Premature babies
  • Adults aged 75+
  • People with chronic health conditions

For Infants

  • Starting this fall, all infants will be eligible for Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody that provides season-long protection against RSV.
  • Infants born during RSV season will receive Beyfortus® before hospital discharge. Others will receive it through Public Health Nursing appointments.
  • Children up to 24 months with certain medical conditions remain eligible for coverage.
  • Beyfortus® is not a vaccine; it provides RSV antibodies directly, offering protection for the duration of a typical RSV season (November to April).

For Seniors

  • This year, PEI will provide RSV immunization to all seniors aged 75 and older, regardless of where they live.
  • Last year, the program included Islanders 60 years of age and older and who were residents of long-term or community care homes; this year’s extension ensures broader protection for all seniors 75+.
  • RSV vaccine for residents in long term care or community care will be provided at their facility.
  • Seniors will only require one dose of RSV vaccine to be protected across multiple seasons.
  • Seniors 75+ not in a long term or community care home, will be able to receive their free RSV protection through Public Health Nursing starting in September.

PEI’s approach aligns with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations for protecting seniors and infants from RSV.

 

Published date: