Vaccine Program Updates
Manitoba’s respiratory illness season is underway. Doctors Manitoba is providing physicians with key resources on COVID-19, Influenza and RSV vaccinations.
Resources to Provide Your Patients
It’s important for all Manitobans to know that receiving vaccines for flu and COVID is a choice, and it’s a choice that doctors strongly recommend because they are safe and protect against viruses that can be harmful to you and those around you.
We are providing the following resources for physicians offering vaccines to patients:
If a member of the press requests an interview about vaccines, let us know! We can provide you with key messages and a brief media training session. Email us at general@doctorsmanitoba.ca to set up an appointment.
Important Reminders and Resources:
- Vaccine Uptake Has Declined: Public Health recommends physicians offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to clients at every visit, especially to those at higher risk.
- COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Deliveries: For up-to-date information pertaining to flu and COVID vaccine distribution and supply, please refer to the government’s Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Supply guidelines.
- Expanded RSV Program: The RSV immunoprophylaxis program now includes all infants born between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Read the latest Public Health memo.
- More Key Resources: Doctors Manitoba, in partnership with Public Health, hosted a webinar on the respiratory illness season in September. Read the key takeaways and watch an on-demand recording.
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
Dr. Aaron Chiu, Neonatologist and Associate Dean for Quality Improvement and Accreditation at the Max Rady College of Medicine, hosted a grand rounds on the Past, Present, and Future of Manitoba’s RSV vaccine program.
Please direct any questions you may have to rsvprogram@exchange.hsc.mb.ca or call 204−787−2535.