Health Canada has given the green light to the first vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for those 60 and older.

Arexvy is made by drug company GSK.

A randomized clinical trial found the vaccine was 82% effective at preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV compared to seniors who received a placebo.

It was 94% effective at preventing the illness in seniors with underlying medical issues.

Doctors have been calling for such a vaccine because although RSV is common, older people are much more likely to get severely ill and require hospitalization.

RSV season in Canada typically begins late fall and lasts until spring.