June 2, 2025
Nova Scotia Liberal MLA Iain Rankin is calling on the Houston government to immediately expand public funding for RSV immunization to include pregnant people and all infants – following Ontario’s lead.
Ontario covers the maternal RSV vaccine and infant immunization for all babies under 12 months. In Nova Scotia, access remains limited to high-risk infants and older adults in long-term care. Publicly funding the vaccine would also support the province’s commitment to reduce interprovincial barriers and align healthcare access across Canada.
“Nova Scotia families shouldn’t be left behind when it comes to protecting newborns and expectant parents,” said Rankin. “Ontario is already doing this – and we should too, especially before RSV season ramps up in the fall.”
Rankin says expanding access would not only protect families but also help relieve pressure on the healthcare system. In recent years, the IWK has been overwhelmed with RSV cases, many involving otherwise healthy infants.
“Most of these hospitalizations are preventable,” said Rankin. “By taking action now, we can ease the burden on our hospitals, support parents, and deliver the kind of proactive care Nova Scotians deserve.”