Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

About Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It can cause mild illness in many people but may lead to severe disease in infants, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.  

RSV spreads through:

  • coughing and sneezing;
  • close contact with infected individuals; and 
  • touching contaminated surfaces.  
Resources

  • In the Yukon, RSV protection is provided using two products: 

    • Abrysvo (vaccine) for adults; and 
    • Beyfortus (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody, for infants .

    These products are recommended and provided at no cost to eligible Yukoners. 

  • ABRYSVO Vaccine

    Recommended for:

    • adults 65 years and older;

    • adults 18 to 64 years at higher risk due to specific medical conditions, such as: 

    • chronic lung disease requiring oxygen;

    • organ or stem cell transplant;

    • on dialysis; or 

    • living in long-term care.

    BEYFORTUS (monoclonal antibodies) **

    Recommended for:

    • all infants 8 months of age and younger in their first RSV season; and

    • high risk infants up to 24 months during their second RSV season.

     

     

     

  • Adults (Abrysvo)

    Common side effects may include:  

    • redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site;
    • mild fever; 
    • headache; and
    • tiredness or muscle aches.

    These reactions are usually mild and resolve within 1 to 2 days.  

    To manage symptoms: 

    • apply a cool, damp cloth to the injection site;
    • if needed, use a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed by your health care provider; and
    • seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours. 

     

    It's important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine because, although it's very rare, some people might have a severe allergic reaction. The clinic can treat it right away. This happens to less than 1 in a million people. If you have a reaction after leaving, call 911 or your local emergency number. 

     

Find out how to get immunized