New Brunswick is offering free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization to all newborns in the province. The new program allows babies to get immunization during their first RSV season, according to a news release from the government. Babies born between April 1 and Oct. 12, 2026, can get immunized through their primary care providers or at regional public health clinics. Children born between Oct. 13, 2026, and Match 31, 2027, can get immunized before hospital discharge or through clinics or their care providers. “RSV can be serious for babies,” said Health Minister John Dornan in the release. “Making this immunization available for all newborns will ease pressure on the health system, and, most importantly, help protect newborns against severe outcomes from this virus.” RSV affects the lungs and can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis. The province added it to its list of reportable diseases under the Public Health Act in early 2024. For the last two years, the province has offered the RSV adult vaccine for free as part of its immunization program for people age 60 and older in long-term care, alternative-level-of-care patients or people aged 60 and older in rehabilitation clinics or acute care beds. In 2025, the province expanded the eligibility for the free adult vaccine to people 75 years and older and Indigenous adults 60 years and older. Infants who were considered to be high-risk were eligible for RSV monoclonal antibodies during the 2025-2026 respiratory season. “RSV is the number one reason for hospitalization among infants in their first year of life,” said Dr. Ariadna Grigoriu, medical director of the New Brunswick Perinatal Health Program. “Offering universal RSV vaccination to all infants is a significant step forward that will help reduce the burden of illness and hospitalization, while offering all New Brunswick families peace of mind during respiratory illness season.” Grigoriu said the vaccine reduces the risk of infant RSV hospitalizations by 83 per cent. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
