Saskatchewan is expanding its publicly funded Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization program to cover all infants born during the peak respiratory season, marking a major shift in how the province protects newborns from lung infections.Starting this year, all babies born in Saskatchewan from one month before and during RSV season—which runs from October 1 to March 31—will be eligible for a free immunization at birth, with parental consent. The change means every infant born in that period will now receive protection from the common but sometimes severe virus.“Expanding our RSV immunization program marks a significant step forward in protecting the health of our youngest residents,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “By making this protection universal during RSV season, we are helping to reduce severe outcomes in babies, ease pressure on emergency departments and pediatric beds, and support the overall capacity of our health system.”RSV can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia in young children, often leading to emergency visits and hospitalization. Premature infants or those with chronic lung or heart conditions are especially vulnerable..The updated program follows guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization and replaces a more limited approach that only targeted high-risk infants with a multi-dose treatment. The new option, Beyfortis, offers single-dose protection for the entire RSV season.Dr. Terry Klassen, head of pediatrics with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said the move is timely. “We know our smallest patients are often our most vulnerable during the winter months when respiratory illness is most prominent.”Kim Woycik, executive director of maternal and children’s programs for SHA, added that the universal immunization will spare many families the trauma of infant hospitalization and help relieve strain on the healthcare system.Health officials say some high-risk children may still receive the immunization in their second RSV season.
