NACI recommends universal immunization program against RSV for infants

By: Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press Posted:

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The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/05/2024 (824 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants.

It says provinces and territories should work toward providing the antibody drug Nirsevimab for all infants before their first RSV season.

But it says they could start by prioritizing the highest-risk infants if cost or access to the antibody is a barrier to implementing a universal program right away.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants. This electron microscope image provided by the National Institutes of Health shows human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virions, colourized blue, and anti-RSV F protein/gold antibodies, colourized yellow, shedding from the surface of human lung cells. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-HO, NIH, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, *MANDATORY CREDIT*
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants. This electron microscope image provided by the National Institutes of Health shows human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virions, colourized blue, and anti-RSV F protein/gold antibodies, colourized yellow, shedding from the surface of human lung cells. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-HO, NIH, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Babies at highest risk of becoming seriously ill with RSV include those born prematurely, those with certain medical conditions and infants living in crowded conditions or other high-risk settings.

The committee says Nirsevimab should also be prioritized for infants living in remote areas where transportation to get treatment would be difficult if they got severe RSV, including some First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Health Canada authorized Nirsevimab — also known by its brand name Beyfortus — in April 2023.

The national committee also said that pregnant people and their health-care providers could consider a vaccine called RSVpreF, or Abrysvo, which is given during the third trimester to provide protection against RSV for the infant.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2024.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

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The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants. This electron microscope image provided by the National Institutes of Health shows human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virions, colourized blue, and anti-RSV F protein/gold antibodies, colourized yellow, shedding from the surface of human lung cells. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-HO, NIH, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

NACI recommends universal immunization program against RSV for infants

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

NACI recommends universal immunization program against RSV for infants

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The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants.

It says provinces and territories should work toward providing the antibody drug Nirsevimab for all infants before their first RSV season.

But it says they could start by prioritizing the highest-risk infants if cost or access to the antibody is a barrier to implementing a universal program right away.

Babies at highest risk of becoming seriously ill with RSV include those born prematurely, those with certain medical conditions and infants living in crowded conditions or other high-risk settings.

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