Province says universal access will lower infant hospitalizations, strengthen respiratory‑season response
On Oct. 1, the New Brunswick Department of Health announced that newborns in New Brunswick can receive immunization against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) free of charge.
“Improving access to health care means making sure New Brunswickers have the tools they need to stay healthy,” said Premier Susan Holt.
“By making RSV immunization free for every newborn, we’re making it easier for families to protect their babies from a serious illness, while also helping reduce hospitalizations and pressure on our emergency rooms and hospitals.”
Since 2024, the RSV adult vaccine has been available for free as part of the provincial immunization program for people aged 60 and older in long-term care, alternate-level-of-care patients, and those 60 and older in rehabilitation units or acute care beds awaiting transfer to rehabilitation.
In 2025, eligibility for the adult vaccine free of charge expanded to those 75 and older and to Indigenous adults 60 and older. Infants considered to be high-risk were eligible to receive RSV monoclonal antibodies during the 2025-26 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.”
New Brunswick added RSV to its list of reportable diseases under the Public Health Act in early 2024.
The virus affects the lungs and can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and can lead to emergency room visits or hospitalization. It spreads widely in the winter and is one of the leading causes of infant hospitalizations worldwide.
“RSV can be serious for babies. 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,” said Health Minister John Dornan.
Under the new program, all babies can get a free RSV immunization during their first RSV season.
- Babies born between April 1 and Oct. 12, 2026, can now get immunized at regional public health clinics or through their primary care provider.
- Babies born between Oct. 13, 2026, and March 31, 2027, can be immunized after birth, before hospital discharge or later, through a regional public health office or their primary care provider.
“Timing matters when it comes to RSV immunization. Immunizing in October, just before RSV season begins, will help ensure babies have the strongest protection against RSV during the time of year when it is most common,” said Dr. Yves Léger, chief medical officer of health.
People with questions are encouraged to discuss the matter with their primary care provider, regional Public Health staff, or their pharmacist.
