RSV shots: Mother and doctors ask N.L. to expand infant coverage

A mother and medical groups are urging Newfoundland and Labrador to publicly fund RSV prevention for all infants; the province currently limits nirsevimab coverage to high‑risk infants and says it is exploring options but has no concrete plans.

A mother and health professionals are urging Newfoundland and Labrador to expand publicly funded RSV protection for all infants. The province currently limits public coverage of the antibody nirsevimab to infants judged high‑risk and has not announced concrete plans to widen that coverage. National advisory bodies recommended moving toward universal infant RSV immunization, and some provinces have already expanded access. Key points: - Michelle Pratt, whose twin sons were born at about 30 weeks, paid privately for nirsevimab after they were ineligible under provincial criteria. - Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) was approved by Health Canada and recommended by national advisers for infants' first RSV season; a maternal vaccine (Abrysvo) is also approved. - Newfoundland and Labrador says it is "exploring" broader coverage but has not set a plan or timetable for expansion. - Medical groups and some provinces report reduced emergency visits and hospital admissions after expanding access to RSV prevention products. Summary: Advocates say broader publicly funded access would reduce infant hospitalizations and address geographic differences in coverage. Newfoundland and Labrador is reviewing options but has not announced next steps; undetermined at this time.