REGINA, Sask. — The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is launching its second season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention with nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody that helps protect infants and young children from severe RSV illness.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to serious illness in infants and young children.
All babies born in Saskatchewan between Oct. 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, are eligible to receive a single injection of nirsevimab before leaving their hospital or birthing site.
Unlike vaccines, which stimulate the body to produce its own immune response, nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that provides immediate protection against severe RSV disease. This is especially important for newborns whose immune systems generally do not produce their own antibodies for approximately the first three months of life, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
High-risk infants and young children up to two years of age are also eligible to receive nirsevimab. Children who are considered high risk for severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) may also receive a second dose, including children with cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, respiratory conditions, weakened immune systems and certain neuromuscular disorders.
