What’s Happening?

The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) has announced the start of seasonal vaccination against respiratory viruses,including influenza,COVID-19,and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This year, a new preventative treatment, nirsevimab, is available to protect infants and vulnerable children from RSV.

Who is Eligible for protection?

Vaccination is recommended for individuals at higher risk of complications from respiratory viruses. This includes:

• People aged 65 and over
• Individuals who are immunocompromised
• People on dialysis
• Individuals living with certain chronic illnesses
• Pregnant women
• health personnel
• adults living in remote or isolated areas

For RSV specifically, nirsevimab is available for:

• Infants born from April 1, 2025
• Vulnerable infants born from March 1, 2024

Nirsevimab: A New Tool Against RSV

Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody designed to provide infants with passive immunity against RSV. Unlike a customary vaccine, it doesn’t stimulate the baby’s immune system to create its own antibodies; rather, it provides pre-made antibodies directly. This is notably beneficial for infants who are too young to develop sufficient immunity on their own.

Data from the 2024-2025 season in Quebec demonstrates nirsevimab’s effectiveness: it prevented 86% of emergency room consultations and 89% of hospitalizations due to RSV. Quebec Government – Respiratory Viruses

The treatment is administered directly in birth centers. Eligible children who missed the initial opportunity can schedule an appointment through Clic Santé at local service points or CLSCs.

Importantly, nirsevimab can be given concurrently with routine infant vaccinations.

Vaccination Remains key

While nirsevimab offers targeted protection against RSV,vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against all three major respiratory viruses – influenza,COVID-19,and RSV (for eligible age groups). Vaccination reduces the risk of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death.