Sask. expanding infant RSV immunization program

Saskatchewan is expanding its infant RSV immunization program to include all babies born one month before and during RSV season, which typically lasts from the start of October until the end of March.

The change means any babies born during the respiratory syncytial virus season, or a month before, will be eligible to receive publicly funded immunization in hospital at the time of birth, the province said in a Tuesday news release.

Previously, only high-risk children were targeted during their first and second RSV seasons using a multi-dose immunization, based on recommendations from the Canadian Paediatric Society, according to the province.

The new immunization requires only a single dose, which will cover babies in their first RSV season, and will also be given to some high-risk infants in their second season, the province said.

RSV infects the lungs and can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and is a leading cause of infant hospitalizations in Saskatchewan, according to the Ministry of Health.

Premature babies with chronic conditions are most at risk of severe outcomes, including death. 

"When you look at where this vaccine immunization has been used, there's an 80 per cent reduction in the probability that you need to visit a doctor's office for an RSV-related reason," said Dr. Terry Klassen, the Saskatchewan Health Authority's provincial department head of pediatrics.

"I've seen these children in emergency," he said.

"It's a very profound experience for them, and it's quite scary. The fact that we will see that reduction, and the families won't need to experience that, I think, is really important."

Kimberly Woycik, the executive director of children's programs at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said that from November 2024 to March 2025, there were just over 200 RSV hospitalizations across three major acute care sites, including Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. 

"That's a significant number of hospitalizations. And we know that the really severe cases do often end up staying for six-plus days in hospitals, sometimes in intensive care," Woycik said. 

Klassen said that in terms of contagion, RSV is similar to a cold and can spread via touching, coughing or if you're near someone who is ill. He encourages maintaining good hygiene, like staying home if you are sick and washing your hands regularly.