Quebec's RSV immunization campaign led to sharp decline in infant hospitalizations

MONTREAL — The provincial agency in charge of Quebec health care says the number of infants hospitalized from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has fallen significantly following a successful vaccination campaign.

A preliminary provincial study found the vaccine was more than 80 per cent effective at preventing emergency room visits or hospitalization.

The agency’s director of public health operations says almost 75 per cent of all eligible infants received over 56,000 doses of the vaccine during the campaign.

That’s more than double the province’s target.

The infants eligible for the vaccine include all premature babies and those at higher risk of complications from the virus.

The provincial government is planning a new vaccination campaign by Sept. 30.

This report by The Canadia