Health Canada has approved the first vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults age 60 and over, but it may only be available in “limited” quantities for this fall’s respiratory virus season.
RSV is a common but highly contagious virus that appears like a common cold for most people. In more vulnerable populations, RSV can cause bronchiolitis — the inflammation of the small airways in the lung — or pneumonia, say experts.
Arexvy, the RSV vaccine manufactured by GSK, was approved by Health Canada on Friday. The company had submitted an application to the federal health body for review in November 2022.