Pediatric RSV antibody program expanded

The province is expanding its pediatric antibody program to include all infants born during RSV season.

Currently, newborns born at any time of the year who meet high-risk eligibility criteria can receive a respiratory syncytial virus antibody called nirsevimab during respiratory virus season. The program will now include all infants born between Oct. 1 and March 31, 2026, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said in a news release Tuesday.

Nirsevimab reduces the likelihood of severe illness. Manitoba previously used palivizumab, which required multiple doses depending on when the child was born. Nirsevimab requires one dose.

About five per cent of healthy infants and young children hospitalized with RSV are sent to the intensive care unit. In Manitoba, RSV season is usually from November to March and accounts for 10 to 20 per cent of respiratory tract infections in infants requiring medical attention, the news release said.