RSV vaccine for adults: what each province covers in 2026

Every province offers a publicly funded RSV vaccine to at least some older adults in 2026, but the age cut-off runs from 70 in Alberta to 80 in Manitoba, and Saskatchewan’s published information covers only residents of long-term care. Most provinces cover everyone 75 and older, according to provincial health pages checked Oct. 25.

Updated Oct. 25, 2026

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can cause serious illness in older adults. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization issues national advice, but each province decides who gets the vaccine free. Our explainer on RSV season covers the federal guidance.

Rules differ on age, residence and risk status, and on whether the shot is given at a pharmacy, a clinic or a doctor’s office. Eligible people generally need one dose, and those who have already had an RSV vaccine are not eligible for another. Confirm eligibility with your provincial health authority, public health office or pharmacist before booking.

British Columbia

The B.C. government’s RSV immunization program page, last modified Oct. 13, describes a time-limited program starting in fall 2026. It covers adults 75 and older, long-term care and assisted living residents 75 and older, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people 60 and older. Appointments are booked through 1-833-838-2323 or through pharmacies and health authorities.

Alberta

Alberta’s MyHealth Alberta page, current as of Oct. 1, offers the vaccine free to people 70 and older who have not had a dose. It also covers people 60 and older living in continuing care or supportive living, and Indigenous people 60 and older. Adults 18 to 69 qualify if they have had a lung transplant, a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy, use home oxygen or receive dialysis. Albertans can call a pharmacy, public health centre or Health Link at 811.

Saskatchewan

A Government of Saskatchewan RSV vaccine information document, dated August 2026, lists one group for publicly funded vaccine: residents of long-term care and personal care homes who are 60 or older and have never had an RSV vaccine. The province’s Oct. 6 release on fall immunizations covered only influenza and COVID-19. Other adults are directed to public health, a physician, a nurse practitioner or HealthLine 811.

Manitoba

A Manitoba health letter to providers dated Aug. 26 says all Manitobans 80 and older are eligible for one lifetime dose. People 60 to 79 qualify if they live in a personal care home, or are in respite care, transitional care or chronic care while paneled for placement in one. The letter said the program starts in fall 2026 and that the start date would be announced later.

Ontario

Toronto Public Health’s RSV immunization page, last modified Oct. 23, says Ontario’s program is available year-round to everyone 75 and older. People 60 to 74 qualify if they live in long-term care, retirement homes or Elder Care Lodges, use home oxygen, receive dialysis, are solid organ or stem cell transplant recipients, are experiencing homelessness, or are First Nations, Inuit or Métis. Adults 75 and older get the shot at primary care offices, not pharmacies.

Quebec

The Quebec government’s RSV page for adults, updated Oct. 13, lists free vaccine for people 60 and older in CHSLDs and similar residences, and for people 75 and older in private seniors’ residences for people with reduced autonomy. Adults 18 and older who had a stem cell transplant, CAR-T therapy or a lung transplant also qualify. The page says the federal government is temporarily offering the vaccine free to people 75 and older living in the community. Appointments are booked on Clic-Santé or at 1-877-644-4545.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s adult RSV page says the vaccine is free for residents 75 and older, Indigenous residents 60 and older, and people 60 and older in long-term care, awaiting placement or in certain rehabilitation settings. It can be booked through a primary care provider, participating pharmacy, Public Health clinic or the provincial online scheduler. The page did not show an update date.

Nova Scotia

A Nova Scotia Health adult RSV fact sheet says the vaccine is free for people 75 and older, and for people 60 and older living in long-term care or in hospital awaiting a long-term care bed. It is available year-round. The sheet directs questions to local public health offices or 811.

Prince Edward Island

PEI’s Oct. 14, 2025 release said adults 75 and older in the community can be vaccinated, along with long-term care and community care residents. Bookings go through Public Health Nursing at 1-844-975-3303. PEI had not published newer eligibility details that could be found as of Oct. 25, so readers should confirm the current rules with Health PEI.

Newfoundland and Labrador

A Newfoundland and Labrador RSV fact sheet, updated July 2026, says the publicly funded vaccine is for all adults 75 and older and for adults 60 and older living in senior congregate living facilities. It advises getting the shot in September or October, though it can be given any time of year.

Anyone outside these groups can ask a pharmacist or doctor about buying the vaccine privately, and some private insurance plans may cover it. The territories were not reviewed for this guide. For related provincial comparisons, see our guides to free shingles vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine eligibility and 2026 flu shot dates.

Sources: B.C. Ministry of Health, Alberta Health, Government of Saskatchewan, Manitoba Health, Toronto Public Health, Quebec Ministry of Health, Government of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Health, Government of Prince Edward Island and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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