Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunization (Nirsevimab)
What is nirsevimab (Beyfortus®)?
The nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) immunization product is a safe and effective way to keep your child from getting very sick from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is approved by Health Canada. Beyfortus® is a monoclonal antibody which is administered directly to infants.
Beyfortus® protects your baby from getting RSV disease in their first RSV season. It may also be given to children less than 2 years of age who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease in their second RSV season.
Beyfortus® stops the virus from entering and infecting human cells and provides direct protection against RSV disease. The product remains efficacious for at least 5 months, which is the length of a typical RSV season.
What is Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
RSV infection is a major cause of lower respiratory tract illness, particularly among infants, young children and older adults. RSV disease can have serious complications for infants, including hospitalization and intensive care unit admission, as well as significant impact on their caregivers and families.
In Canada, RSV causes yearly outbreaks of respiratory illness, usually starting in late fall and running through to early spring.
Reinfections with RSV are common, but illness is usually milder with subsequent infections until older adulthood, when RSV can again lead to severe disease.
Immunization is the best way to protect your baby from getting RSV.
Beyfortus® protects your baby from getting RSV disease in their first RSV season.
How is RSV spread?
RSV transmission occurs when droplets generated from coughs or sneezes of an infected person come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway of another person. Indirect transmission occurs when people touch contaminated hands, surfaces or objects and introduce the virus by touching the mucous membranes of their eyes, nose or mouth.
Who should get nirsevimab (Beyfortus®)?
Beyfortus® should be considered for any infant entering, or born during, their first RSV season and for infants at ongoing increased risk during their second RSV season.
If you are unsure if your baby should get the RSV immunization, please call 811 or book an appointment with your local health care provider to discuss vaccination eligibility.
What are possible side effects to nirsevimab (Beyfortus®)?
Any immunization can have side effects, just like any medicine. These side effects or reactions are normal, generally very mild and usually go away within a few days. You can give medication for pain/fever to your baby if needed. Check with your health care provider if you have concerns or need advice about which medications to give or when to report a side effect or reaction.
Who should NOT get nirsevimab (Beyfortus®)?
Please contact your health care provider for more information.
To find out more about the RSV immunization for babies, contact your local health unit and visit the following links:
- NWT Immunization Schedule
- Immunize Canada
- To track of your family’s immunizations and to receive vaccine schedule reminders download the CANImmunize App.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is a rare possibility of a severe allergic reaction. This usually happens soon after vaccination and may include: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips.
If this happens after you leave the clinic, call or go to the nearest Emergency Department or health centre for immediate treatment.
Please report any serious or unexpected side-effects to your healthcare provider