Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that mainly affects infants and young children, especially during the winter season. In Quebec, RSV is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections and complications in babies under one year of age, particularly in the first months of life. Fortunately, considerable progress has been made in the fight against this virus, notably with the introduction of an RSV vaccine designed to protect vulnerable children. In this article, the Priveo Santé private medical clinic explores the issues surrounding RSV vaccination, the recommendations of the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services, and the public health benefits of this vaccine.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
RSV is a virus that mainly infects the lower respiratory tract. It is particularly dreaded in young children under the age of two, as well as in premature infants or those with underlying heart or lung problems. This virus is responsible for a large number of hospitalizations every year in Quebec, particularly during the autumn and winter months.
Symptoms of RSV in children can vary, but generally include coughing, wheezing, fever and breathing difficulties. In the most severe cases, RSV can lead to respiratory failure, requiring intensive care. It’s an infection that can be life-threatening for the most vulnerable, which is why prevention is so important. In adults, RSV infection can lead to pneumonia and trigger new symptoms or worsen symptoms of chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure. Complications from RSV may require hospitalization and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or even death.
What are the signs of RSV in babies?
In infants, RSV can have serious consequences. In general, it can manifest itself through the following symptoms:
- Short, shallow or rapid breathing
- Decreased energy or unusual fatigue
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite or need to drink
Why is vaccination against RSV crucial?
Vaccination against RSV is particularly important because this virus is easily transmitted by respiratory droplets, and can spread rapidly, especially in day-care centers, nurseries or home environments. What’s more, although RSV rarely causes serious symptoms in healthy adults, it can be extremely dangerous for infants, premature babies, children with a history of cardiorespiratory disease, and children with weakened immune systems.
Preventing RSV through vaccination is therefore a fundamental way of protecting young children and reducing the burden of hospitalization associated with this viral infection. With vaccines now available and recommendations from the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services, the country is taking a major step towards reducing the number of serious cases and complications associated with this infection.
The RSV vaccine: Who should be vaccinated?
In Quebec, a new RSV vaccination program was launched in November 2024. Through this program, a new monoclonal antibody called nirsévimab (Beyfortus®), approved by Health Canada, will be administered to infants under 24 months of age under certain conditions. It is administered from birth if the baby is born during the RSV season, or as soon as possible after the start of the campaign, and its duration of protection is at least 5 months. All newborns and infants under 6 months of age on October 1, 2024 are therefore eligible. In addition, certain infants with special conditions are also eligible to receive it after 6 months of life. In addition to this new program, the RSV vaccine is recommended primarily for certain groups of children deemed to be at high risk of serious complications from the virus. These groups include :
1. Premature infants
Babies born before 35 weeks’ gestation are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. As their immune systems and lungs are still developing, they are more susceptible to severe forms of RSV.
2. Infants with a history of chronic heart or lung disease
Children with congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease (such as cystic fibrosis) are also more likely to develop serious complications from RSV.
3. Immunocompromised infants
Children with weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as cancer, or treatments such as chemotherapy, may have difficulty fighting RSV.
4. People aged 60 and over
Vaccines such as Arexvy and Abrysvo exist to protect the aging population, who are also at risk.
How the RSV vaccine works
The RSV vaccine works by strengthening the immune system of high-risk children, providing preventive protection against infection. It does not create complete immunity, but considerably reduces the severity of symptoms if the child is exposed to the virus.
The vaccine contains monoclonal antibodies that bind to virus particles and prevent them from entering host cells. This reduces the viral load and respiratory complications that can arise from RSV infection. Although not intended as a routine vaccine, it offers an effective protective barrier during the virus’ peak circulation period, generally between October and March.
When and how is the RSV vaccine administered?
RSV vaccine is administered on prescription, usually as part of a pediatric consultation. For premature or high-risk infants, monthly doses of the vaccine are recommended during the RSV season (usually between November and March). This series of doses helps maintain an adequate level of antibodies throughout the period of greatest risk.
The first dose of the vaccine should be administered before the onset of the RSV epidemic, so that children have the necessary protection before exposure. Depending on the child’s profile, additional doses may be recommended.
The benefits of RSV vaccination
Vaccination against RSV has many advantages, including :
1. Reduced hospitalization
One of the main benefits of the vaccine is the significant reduction in hospitalizations due to RSV. By reducing the severity of infection, the vaccine helps avoid intensive care and prolonged hospital stays.
2. Protecting vulnerable children
Premature infants or children with underlying pathologies are most likely to develop severe forms of RSV. By administering the vaccine, they are offered enhanced protection against life-threatening complications.
3. Reduced burden on the healthcare system
By reducing the number of severe cases of RSV, vaccination helps relieve pressure on hospitals and emergency services during the winter months, when healthcare resources are often stretched to the limit.
4. Improving public health
By vaccinating children at risk, we play an active part in reducing the circulation of the virus within the community, helping to protect the most vulnerable and maintain good public health.
The RSV vaccine represents a major advance in the protection of vulnerable children against a dreaded viral infection in Quebec. Although not intended for all infants, it plays a vital role in preventing serious RSV-related complications in high-risk groups. It is crucial that parents with premature infants or children with specific medical histories discuss the possibility of this vaccine with their pediatrician.
At Priveo Santé, we encourage parents to consult their healthcare professional regularly to discuss vaccination options and prevention strategies for their child, especially during periods of high viral circulation. Your children’s health is a priority, and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect them against potentially serious infections like RSV.
