Free RSV vaccines expanded to New Brunswickers 75 and older

The Government of New Brunswick announced respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be free for more New Brunswickers starting Oct. 14.

The RSV vaccine will be free for residents age 75 and older.

“By making the RSV vaccine accessible for more New Brunswick seniors, we’re also helping to reduce hospitalizations, easing the pressure on our health-care system, and, most importantly, keeping our seniors healthy and safe,” said Premier Susan Holt. “It’s an investment in people and in the people who care for us – in our health-care workers, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends.”

The virus was designated as a reportable disease in the province’s Public Health Act in 2024. It spreads more widely during winter months and poses a significant health risk to older adults, a release from the province said.

“Expanding access to the RSV vaccine for individuals 75 years and older is an important step in protecting their health and well-being,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “This population is at higher risk of serious illness from RSV, and, by making this vaccine more accessible, we’re helping to prevent hospitalizations, reduce strain on our health system and support healthier aging in our communities.”

In the 2024-25 respiratory illness season, there were 73 hospitalizations due to the virus.

Last fall, the vaccine was added to the provincial immunization program for people 60 and older living in long-term care facilities, alternate-level-of-care patients and those in rehabilitation units or acute care beds awaiting transfer to rehabilitation.

More information about the vaccine is available online.

Anyone with questions about the vaccine can ask their primary care provider or a pharmacist.

People 75 and older can book pharmacy appointments for the vaccine online on the provincial scheduler.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.