Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut to Offer Universal RSV Protection for Infants

New monoclonal antibody nirsevimab will be available to all infants in these regions starting this fall and winter.

Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut will provide the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab to all infants during their first RSV season.
Nirsevimab, approved by Health Canada in 2023, requires only one dose for protection throughout the RSV season.
This initiative follows the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's recommendation for a universal RSV immunization program for all infants in Canada.
Other provinces and territories have yet to announce similar universal RSV antibody programs and continue to offer palivizumab to high-risk infants.
The World Health Organization also recommends maternal vaccination and antibody therapy to prevent RSV in infants, noting concerns about supply and cost.