New Brunswick expands free RSV immunization to all newborns

New Brunswick has expanded its publicly funded respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization program, making protection available free of charge to all newborns during their first RSV season.

The province says the move is intended to protect infants from severe respiratory illness while reducing RSV-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions during the fall and winter respiratory season.

RSV affects the lungs and can cause illnesses including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Although many infections are mild, the virus can cause serious disease in infants. According to the New Brunswick government, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among babies during their first year of life.

Under the expanded program, babies born between April 1 and October 12, 2026 can receive RSV immunization through regional public health clinics or their primary care provider.

Babies born between October 13, 2026 and March 31, 2027 will be able to receive the immunization following birth and before leaving hospital. Families can also access it later through regional public health offices or primary care providers. The timing is intended to provide protection as RSV circulation increases during the colder months.

“Immunizing in October, just before RSV season begins, will help ensure babies have the strongest protection against RSV during the time of year when it is most common,” New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Yves Léger said in announcing the program.

New Brunswick previously provided RSV monoclonal antibodies to infants considered at high risk during the 2025–26 respiratory season. The new approach extends publicly funded protection to all infants for the upcoming season.

The province has also progressively expanded RSV prevention among older adults. Publicly funded vaccination is available to several higher-risk groups, including adults 75 and older, Indigenous adults 60 and older, and certain older adults receiving long-term, rehabilitation or hospital care.

The broader infant program could also have implications for hospital capacity. Respiratory illnesses can contribute to significant seasonal pressure on pediatric services, emergency departments and inpatient units.

Dr. Ariadna Grigoriu, medical director of the New Brunswick Perinatal Health Program, described universal infant RSV protection as an important step toward reducing both severe illness and hospitalization.

The program comes as health systems across Canada prepare for the 2026–27 respiratory illness season.

Source: Government of New Brunswick — Free RSV immunization for all New Brunswick newborns

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