The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced funding from Budget 2026 to make health care better for all of us. Minister Evans was joined by Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

This $3.9 million in new funding will expand the availability of the RSV vaccine. It provides eligibility for the publicly funded RSV vaccine to all infants under six months of age and adults aged 75 years and older.

Starting this spring, infants aged six months and younger will have access to publicly funded RSV vaccine before discharge from hospital post-partum, and through public health.

Adults aged 75 years and older will be able to access the publicly funded vaccine with details on the rollout to be communicated in the coming months.

This expansion is in addition to high-risk groups that were previously eligible for the publicly funded vaccine. These include:

• Infants at a higher risk of severe RSV infection.
• Children entering their first or second RSV season, who are at high risk of severe infection.
• Adults aged 60-plus in congregate living facilities.

Increasing access to the RSV vaccine will help ensure enhanced protection against severe health complications from RSV illness for the most vulnerable populations. It will also help reduce pressure on acute care resources and the overall health care system.

Expansion of the RSV immunization program aligns with the latest recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

RSV is a seasonal respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, in most individuals, but can present significant health risks for infants and older adults. It can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants.

This investment is one of many actions by the new Provincial Government to ensure equitable and timely access to health care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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“Every infant and adult deserves timely access to health care, regardless of where they live, or their social situation. Expansion of the RSV vaccine highlights our government’s commitment to making health care more accessible for all residents throughout our province and this is an important step in that direction.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Public Health – Immunizations

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