The Manitoba government is expanding the pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis program to include all infants born during the RSV season.
Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced in a media release today, “Every parent wants their baby to have the healthiest possible start in life. RSV can be serious, but it’s preventable – and now we’re making it easier for families to protect their newborns. Starting this October, Manitoba parents will have access to a new preventive option that helps shield infants from RSV, giving them a stronger, safer beginning.”
Currently, newborns born at any time of the year, who meet certain high-risk eligibility criteria can receive an RSV antibody called nirsevimab during respiratory virus season. Manitoba is expanding the program to include all infants born within RSV’s circulation season, between Oct. 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, regardless of clinical criteria, the minister noted.
Nirsevimab reduces the likelihood of severe illness. Approximately five per cent of healthy infants and young children hospitalized with RSV require ICU admission, increasing to 10 per cent for those with other health conditions. In Manitoba, RSV season typically runs from November to March and accounts for 10 to 20 per cent of respiratory tract infections in infants requiring medical attention.
Previously, Manitoba used palivizumab, which required multiple doses depending on when the child was born. Nirsevimab only requires one dose. Infants born between Oct. 1 and March 31 can receive a single dose of nirsevimab prior to discharge from hospital. Those who missed their dose before discharge will be able to access it through local public health offices, nursing stations and other designated locations.
For more information about respiratory syncytial virus, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/rsv.html.
