Equipping Physicians for a Demanding Season

By Claudine Gervais

Doctors Manitoba is helping you stay informed, prepared, and focused on patient care.

As respiratory virus season approaches, Manitoba’s health system is preparing for the expected surge in influenza, COVID-19, and RSV cases that traditionally put pressure on hospital capacity. 

Focus on prevention 

Public health officials are emphasizing prevention as the first line of defense this season. 

“Every respiratory season, we see a similar pattern: the Manitobans who become the sickest are those with uncontrolled underlying chronic conditions who are not up to date on their vaccines. Prevention remains our strongest tool. By reinforcing vaccination and supporting patients in managing their chronic diseases, physicians play a critical role in keeping people out of hospital and easing pressure on the entire system,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. 

Expanded RSV protection for infants 

New this season, Manitoba expanded its RSV immunoprophylaxis program so that all infants born between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 are eligible to receive nirsevimab, a single-dose monoclonal antibody that provides five to six months of protection against severe RSV illness. High risk infants continue to be eligible for immunization, too. This expansion represents a major step forward in protecting newborns during peak respiratory months. 

“Expanding access to nirsevimab is a significant step forward in protecting Manitoba’s youngest and most vulnerable patients. RSV can cause severe illness in otherwise healthy infants, and this proactive approach helps keep families out of hospital and newborns safe through the most critical months of their first year,” said Dr. Aaron Chiu, Neonatologist and Associate Dean for Quality Improvement and Accreditation, Max Rady College of Medicine and the Medical Director of the RSV prophylaxis program.

“The single-dose RSV immunization offers practical advantages for families and providers. It simplifies scheduling and helps ensure infants are protected before leaving hospital.” 

At the hospital 

Eligible infants born during the season can receive nirsevimab before discharge. If not administered in-hospital, doses can be provided through local public health offices or post-partum home visits, nursing stations or health centres and designated Walk-In Connected Care Clinics at Winnipeg Access Centres. 

High-risk patients

The Manitoba High-Risk RSV Prophylaxis Program continues for premature infants (<33 weeks GA) born after April 1, 2025, children under 24 months with chronic lung disease or hemodynamically significant heart disease and other infants under 24 months on a case-by-case basis. 

Physicians can refer through Pediatric Cardiology or complete a request form for eligible patients. 

More Hospital Beds 

Since 2023, 323 new beds have been opened and staffed across the province, including 10 new ICU beds added this year. These additions aim to relieve seasonal pressure on emergency departments and inpatient units, where bed shortages can delay admissions and prolong ER waits. 

The additional hospital capacity aligns with recommendations from Doctors Manitoba’s 2023 Prescription for Health Care. This recommendation followed advice from physicians at the time concerned about hospitals being overwhelmed during annual respiratory virus seasons. 

Ultimately, physicians want to see the health system adopt an appropriate bed capacity target, so hospitals are better equipped to handle seasonal admissions surges with fewer disruptions to surgery.

All Physicians Can Help 

Whether it’s respectfully answering questions, offering the vaccine in your practice, or just staying up to date, all doctors are encouraged to help. Vaccines are the subject of more online misinformation than ever, but Manitobans trust you.

Check out Doc​tors​Man​i​to​ba​.ca/​v​a​ccine for updates and resources, including printer-friendly posters for your office.

Every physician can help 

• Discuss the expanded protection with nirsevimab with patients who are expected to give birth between now and March 31, 2026, at prenatal appointments. 
  
• Reinforce the importance of seasonal vaccination, including flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and RSV protection. 
  
• Discuss vaccines at every visit, even if a patient initially declines. Respectful, informed conversations maintain trust and often change minds over time. 
  
• Offer vaccines in your practice where possible, or refer patients to their local clinic. 
  

For more information you can share with your patients, visit Get​tingHealthy​.ca.