Over the years, our community has seen incredible progress in the care of premature babies. Yet one challenge remains front and centre for families across Canada: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV continues to be a leading cause of hospitalization for infants, especially those born prematurely. The good news is that we now have new tools, like monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, that bring real hope for protecting our babies. But access isn’t equal across the country, and too many families still face barriers.
That’s why we are inviting you to join us on Tuesday, October 21 for RSV Prevention for Every Baby: Innovation, Equity, and Advocacy in Canada, a free webinar hosted by CPBF.
When:
Tuesday, October 21th, 2025
12 pm, Eastern Time
Hosted by Leah Whitehead
Recording
Speakers
Dr. Cora Constantinescu
Protecting Babies from RSV: New Tools, New Hope
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants, but new tools are changing the landscape of prevention. Join us to learn how innovations like monoclonal antibodies and RSV vaccine offer new hope in protecting babies’ health, and to discuss how access and implementation vary across Canada.
Bio:
Dr. Cora is a pediatrician, infectious disease physician, and Clinical Associate Professor in Calgary, AB. With firsthand experience addressing vaccine hesitancy in the clinic, she is deeply committed to advancing vaccine research and advocacy. Her academic work focuses on vaccine acceptance and surveillance, and she holds a Master’s in Medical Education. In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Cora is the Co-Chair of ImmunizeCanada, a member of the Alberta Advisory Committee in Immunization, and serves as the Pediatric Chair for AMMI-Canada. She is a passionate and steadfast advocate for vaccination initiatives, both locally and nationally.
Social media: @doctorcorac on Instagram
Dr. Jaris Swidrovich
Vaccine Decision-Making Among Indigenous Peoples in Canada
This presentation will explore the complex and deeply rooted factors influencing vaccine uptake within Indigenous communities. Drawing on findings from a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, this talk highlights how historical and ongoing colonialism, systemic racism, and mistrust in healthcare systems shape vaccine hesitancy. It also emphasizes the importance of culturally safe care, community-led health initiatives, and the role of Indigenous knowledges in fostering informed and autonomous health decisions.
This presentation aims to deepen understanding and support more equitable public health strategies.
Bio:
Dr. Jaris Swidrovich (he/they) is an Assistant Professor and Indigenous Engagement Lead in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto and the founder and Chair of the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada. He is a queer, Two Spirit, Saulteaux and Ukrainian pharmacist from Yellow Quill First Nation. Dr. Swidrovich is the Co-Scientific Director of nātawihowin (“art of self-healing” inCree), which is a First Nations research network that supports researchers, students, and First Nations health leaders and communities in Saskatchewan and beyond. Of several recognitions received, Dr. Swidrovich was awarded both the Governor General’s Gold Medal and the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Distinguished Dissertation Award for his PhD dissertation, the National Patient Care Achievement Award from the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for service to the community.
Social media handles:
• Instagram: @jarisoftheprairies
• Bluesky: @jarispaul.bsky.social
• LinkedIn: Jaris Paul
• X: @Jaris_Paul