New Brunswick expands free RSV immunization to all newborns

New Brunswick has expanded its publicly funded respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization program to include all newborns. The initiative aims to protect infants from severe respiratory illnesses, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which are leading causes of hospitalization in babies during their first year of life. Under the new program, babies born between April 1 and October 12, 2026, can access immunization through primary care providers or public health clinics, while those born later in the year can receive it in the hospital.

As the respiratory virus season begins, health experts in the United States are also issuing guidance on protecting high-risk groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the season typically runs from October through mid-May. Data from the previous season indicated approximately 5.8 million outpatient visits, 340,000 hospitalizations, and up to 25,000 deaths associated with RSV.

Prevention strategies include hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home when symptomatic. Vaccination and antibody treatments remain key tools for pregnant individuals, infants, and older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older or those with underlying lung conditions like COPD.