Access to RSV immunization to be made available for all Nunavut babies – Nunatsiaq News
Sep 26, 2024
A new immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus — commonly known as RSV — will be available to all infants in Nunavut starting in late October.
The Nirsevimab vaccine, described by the Department of Health as a “highly effective” antibody designed to protect infants from severe RSV infection, will be administered to all newborns at birth.
“A catch-up program will ensure that infants under 12 months of age who were born earlier in the year will also be vaccinated,” said Chelsea Halvorson, spokesperson for the department, in an email to Nunatsiaq News.
The previous RSV program only administered Palivizumab to infants at high risk for severe disease, such as those born with a congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease.
