Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season is quickly approaching, and we are sharing an important practice change that will help Manitoban families protect their newborns.
The Manitoba government has announced the expansion of the infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis program. Effective October 1, 2025, the RSV immunoprophylaxis program will include all infants born between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Eligible infants will receive a single dose of nirsevimab (Beyfortus™), a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides immediate passive immunity against RSV.

The primary goal is in-hospital administration in Obstetrical Units prior to discharge after delivery and prior to discharge from midwifery care for out-of-hospital deliveries. Public Health Nursing will address infants who do not receive the dose before discharge.

Our Role

This change significantly expands the number of infants who are eligible to receive this treatment. As clinicians, we play an essential role in helping our patients understand the benefits and risks and supporting them to make an informed decision about their infant’s health. We encourage you to have these conversations early in your patient’s pregnancy to give them time to consider their options and ask questions.

Resources

To support you in these conversations, we are sharing a package of resources to help you better understand the change and communicate it with your patients:

• The Neonatal Care page of our Shared Health – Health Providers website has a comprehensive guide of resources and information for all clinicians/staff by service area.
• The Manitoba Public Health website has resources for clinicians and patients/public.
• Manitoba Paediatric RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program and Administration Pathways FAQ

For any questions or further implementation support, please contact:

Angela Matwick, Provincial Director, Women and Children Provincial Clinical Program
Dr. Aaron Chiu, Medical Director, Manitoba RSV Prophylaxis Program

Thank you for your continued collaboration in supporting the health of Manitoba’s infants. Your efforts are essential to the successful implementation of this expanded RSV immunoprophylaxis program.

RSV immunoprophylaxis program expansion Memo

Submitted by: Tamara Burnham, Collaborative Practice Lead