May 1, 2026
Manitoba Government Announces Expansion of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Antibody Program to All Infants
– – –All Infants Now Eligible for RSV Protection During Their First RSV Season: Asagwara
The Manitoba government is expanding its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody program to ensure all infants can access protection during RSV season, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Week.
“Every parent wants their baby to have the healthiest possible start in life,” said Asagwara. “While RSV can be serious, it’s also preventable and now we’re making sure every baby in Manitoba can be protected during their first RSV season. By expanding this program to all infants, we’re helping prevent serious illness, reduce hospitalizations and give families greater peace of mind.”
Beginning in October, all infants will be eligible to receive one dose of nirsevimab during their first RSV season. The dose will be offered shortly after birth in hospital or through public health offices, nursing stations and other designated sites across the province. This means infants born at any time of year will be eligible to receive protection during their first RSV season, including those born outside of the fall and winter months.
Children entering their second RSV season with specific high-risk conditions will continue to be eligible for nirsevimab through the existing high-risk program.
Nirsevimab reduces the likelihood of severe illness. Approximately five per cent of healthy infants and young children hospitalized with RSV require intensive care unit 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.
The Manitoba government encourages Manitobans to stay up to date on recommended immunizations to help protect themselves, their families and people most at risk in their communities from preventable illness.
National Immunization Awareness Week runs from April 26 to May 2.
For more information about respiratory syncytial virus, visit https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/rsv.html.
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