The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a common immunization program towards respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants.
It says provinces and territories ought to work towards offering the antibody drug Nirsevimab for all infants earlier than their first RSV season.
But it says they might begin by prioritizing the highest-risk infants if price or entry to the antibody is a barrier to implementing a common program instantly.
Babies at highest threat of changing into severely sick with RSV embrace these born prematurely, these with sure medical circumstances and infants residing in crowded circumstances or different high-risk settings.
The committee says Nirsevimab also needs to be prioritized for infants residing in distant areas the place transportation to get therapy could be troublesome in the event that they acquired extreme RSV, together with some First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Health Canada approved Nirsevimab — additionally recognized by its model title Beyfortus — in April 2023.
The nationwide committee additionally mentioned that pregnant folks and their health-care suppliers may contemplate a vaccine referred to as RSVpreF, or Abrysvo, which is given in the course of the third trimester to offer safety towards RSV for the toddler.
