What is RSV and why is it dangerous for infants like Katrina Bellavance's daughter?

RSV is a common virus that causes severe respiratory illness in infants, leading to hospitalization due to breathing difficulties and lung inflammation.

How effective are the new RSV antibody shots like Beyfortus?

New antibody shots, such as Beyfortus (nirsevimab), have shown to cut infant RSV hospitalizations by over 80 percent in global studies.

Why does Canada have a "scattershot" approach to RSV shots?

Canada's approach to RSV shots varies by province, with some offering universal programs and others restricting them to high-risk infants, leading to inconsistent access.

Home / Health / New RSV Shots Erase Infant Hospitalizations

New RSV Shots Erase Infant Hospitalizations

3 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Antibody shots cut infant RSV hospitalizations by over 80% globally.
Quebec saw over 50% fewer RSV hospitalizations with its infant program.
Cost to prevent RSV is far less than average hospitalization costs.

Recent breakthroughs in medical science have dramatically reduced severe RSV infections in newborns. Powerful antibody shots are now cutting infant RSV hospitalizations by over 80% globally, marking a significant leap in respiratory virus prevention.

Real-world data from countries like Spain and Chile demonstrate substantial decreases in pediatric intensive care admissions. In Canada, Quebec's universal infant antibody shot program prevented over half of its usual RSV-related hospitalizations last season, easing pressure on the healthcare system.

However, Canada faces challenges in ensuring widespread access to these life-saving treatments. Provincial approaches to offering the antibody shots vary, leaving some infants, particularly those deemed lower-risk, without coverage and necessitating a focus on improving uptake and equitable distribution.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.