• Winnie Siu, April Killikelly, Marina I Salvadori, and Elissa M Abrams.
• Senior Medical Advisor in the Centre for Immunization Surveillance and Programs at the Public Health Agency of Canada in Ottawa, Ont, and Adjunct Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa.
• Can Fam Physician. 2024 Nov 1; 70 (11-12): 697700697-700.

ObjectiveTo support family physicians in discussing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunizations with patients.Sources Of InformationInformation was obtained through a literature review on the burden of RSV disease in infants; observational studies; randomized controlled trials; evidence presented by review agencies; product monographs; and National Advisory Committee on Immunization statements.Main MessageThere are now 3 options available for preventing severe RSV disease in infants: the monoclonal antibody palivizumab, the long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, and the new RSVpreF vaccine administered during pregnancy. Only a small number of infants at high risk of severe RSV disease are eligible for palivizumab. Nirsevimab has received Health Canada authorization for all infants and RSVpreF has received authorization for all pregnant women and pregnant people. There are multiple considerations for the use of each product, including authorization; availability; timing of administration; health status and social determinants of health of the infant; efficacy and effectiveness; safety; patient preference; and cost. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recently issued guidance on the use of RSV immunization products for infants.ConclusionFamily doctors should be aware of the indications, relative benefits, and recommendations for the 3 RSV immunization products to have informed discussions with patients, taking into account the preferences and circumstances of the pregnant woman or pregnant person or of the parent and infant.Copyright © 2024 the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

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