The Saskatchewan Health Authority is launching its second season of RSV prevention with Nirsevimab.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to serious illness and ongoing breathing problems for children and infants.

Babies are considered especially high-risk for RSV because they don’t produce their own antibodies for about the first three months of their life.  On top of that more than 80 per cent of RSV-related hospital admissions worldwide happen in babies who were born healthy.

Children who experience a severe RSV infection also have a chance to develop chronic airway inflammation, leading to ongoing breathing problems such as asthma.

Nirsevimab itself is different from vaccines. Where vaccines stimulate the body to produce its own immune response, Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that provides immediate protection against the disease.

All babies born in Saskatchewan between October 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, are eligible to receive a single injection of Nirsevimab before leaving their hospital or birthing site.

High-risk infants and young children up to two years old are also eligible to receive Nirsevimab. Children who are considered high risk for severe 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.

Families living in communities supported by the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority may be able to have eligible children receive Nirsevimab within their home community through a NITHA nurse.

There is currently no cure for RSV. Treatment focuses on supporting breathing and maintaining oxygen levels until the infection resolves.

The full SHA article can be accessed here.