RSV Updates

What’s new: Manitoba has significantly expanded eligibility for its pediatric RSV immunoprophylaxis program, meaning many more infants can now be protected this season. All babies born from October 1 to March 31, the highest risk season for RSV, are eligible for Nirsevimab. High risk infants born before October 1 may qualify too. 

👉 Resource: Manitoba Health has published an FAQ for health care providers

RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy: Newborn coverage is in place and offers stronger protection than vaccination during pregnancy, meaning newborn immunization is now the recommended option in Manitoba for this season. Manitoba Health advises against promoting the RSV vaccine for pregnant people expected to deliver before March 31, 2026. 

• If the birthing parent received the RSV vaccine more than 14 days before delivery, and the infant is healthy (no high-risk conditions), that infant is considered protected and should not receive Nirsevimab.
  

• Why it matters: Nirsevimab is expected to offer better and longer protection against RSV than maternal vaccination alone. Providers are encouraged to educate expecting parents about its benefits. 

👉 Resource for families: Manitoba Health has created a patient handout.

Stay Updated

Check the Doctors Manitoba Vaccine Update page.

CPSM Changes: We Want to Hear from You 

The CPSM has launched two new public consultations, and has invited physician feedback. Doctors Manitoba reviews every CPSM consultation carefully, and we encourage you to copy us on your feedback to them, or send us your comments confidentially. 

1. Modernization of the process to elect registrants to Council. 

The proposed changes would see: 

• The creation of a Nomination Committee to identify and solicit candidates 
• New electoral districts for rural registrants 
• New voting rules 
• Reduced term limits.

Read details here.

📆 Submissions deadline: Sunday, November 16.

2. Reducing barriers to Provisional Registration for internationally educated family physicians.

Previously proposed: Loosen requirements to allow the applicant to have 960 hours of practice experience (about six months full time) in the previous 36 months. 

Newly proposed: Keep this in place, but require the applicant to have practiced for at least two years after completing their training.

Read details here.

📆 Submissions deadline: Wednesday, November 19.

💬 We are interested to hear what our members think, so please feel free to copy us on your submission to the CPSM. If you would prefer to provide us with your feedback directly, we will take your views into account in any submission we may provide to the CPSM. You can email us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Movement Disorder Clinic Conference for Health Care Providers 

The Deer Lodge Centre Movement Disorder Clinic is hosting a conference on Thursday, November 20, for health care providers working with Parkinson’s disease patients. Physicians will come away with a deeper understanding of how to best identify symptoms and signs that support the diagnosis of Parkinsons’ disease, expertise in early medical management of motor symptoms along with strategies and therapies available to treat patients, and insight into the multidisciplinary care offered at the movement disorders clinic. 

Learn more here.

Parenting in Manitoba 

Manitoba Health has launched Par​enting​In​Man​i​to​ba​.com, a resource hub with current, evidence-based information for parents across Manitoba that focuses on pregnancy and parenting up to age five. Topics include safe sleep tips, common childhood illnesses, immunization, midwifery care, and information tailored to newcomer, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ families. 

Learn more here.

National Infection Control Week 

National Infection Control Week from Oct. 20 to 24 is an opportunity to recognize the importance of infection prevention and control within our health-care system. This year’s theme is ​“Bridging Gaps, Building Bridges,” so Shared Health is featuring some of the dedicated individuals from across the province who help health-care teams build bridges between infection control knowledge and practice: infection control professionals and infection control support associates. 

Complete Shared Health’s quiz to help bridge the gaps in your infection control knowledge by October 31 and enter to win a prize!