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Alberta pediatricians are calling on the province to provide a preventative RSV shot, for free, to all newborns. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a universal immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for all infants. The Alberta Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program is a collaborative effort of the Northern and Southern Alberta RSV Prevention Programs to identify and coordinate RSV immunoprophylaxis for eligible infants and children residing in Alberta. These programs are responsible for evaluating an infant or child’s eligibility to receive RSV immunoprophylaxis based on agreed upon criteria by the program directors in collaboration with invested parties. They notify the referral source of the infant or child’s eligibility or non-eligibility. They coordinate shipment of Palivizumab to regional points of care such as hospitals and community health centers. They connect families to points of care where immunoprophylaxis is administered. The “active” RSV season in Alberta typically commences in November or December and continues through to April. Seasonal variations may occur. The 2025 / 2026 resources for health professionals are being reviewed and updated and will be available mid-fall 2025. Nurse coordinator for the Northern AB RSV Prevention Program is Gail Porter-Lai RN and the director is Dr. Carina Majaesic MD, PhD, FRCPC Paediatric Respiralogist. For the Southern AB RSV Prevention Program, the nurse coordinator is Lisa Loczy RN, BN and the director is Candice Bjornson MD MSc FRCPC Paediatric Respiralogist. 811 HEALTH LINK is a free health information service available 24/7 by phone for health advice.
