Province expands RSV vaccine access in budget

The provincial government is expanding access to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines as part of Budget 2026, with new funding aimed at protecting infants and seniors.

Health and Community Services Minister Lela Evans announced $3.9 million in funding for the initiative, alongside Chief Medical Officer of Health Janice Fitzgerald.

The funding will make the publicly funded RSV vaccine available to all infants under six months of age and adults aged 75 and older.

Beginning this spring, infants six months and younger will be eligible to receive the vaccine before being discharged from hospital after birth, as well as through public health services.

Details on the rollout for seniors aged 75 and older are expected to be released in the coming months.

The expanded eligibility builds on the province’s existing RSV immunization program, which already includes high-risk groups such as infants vulnerable to severe infection, young children entering their first or second RSV season who face higher risks, and adults aged 60 and older living in congregate settings.

Government officials say increasing access to the vaccine will help reduce severe illness among vulnerable populations and ease pressure on hospitals and the broader health-care system.

The expansion aligns with recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

RSV is a seasonal respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults.