"RSV starts to really circulate in November and all the way through to May. It's unclear exactly how many people 60 and older in Canada are hospitalized or die from the illness each year, as experts say it's not properly tracked. In the U.S., research has shown adults over 65 have the highest mortality risk from RSV, and there was a six to eight per cent fatality rate among older adults hospitalized with RSV, according to a report from The National Institute on Ageing, a Canadian think tank focused on Canada's aging population. "It's been a tricky virus to create a vaccine for and we still don't actually have any effective treatments for people who might catch RSV." "The challenges with RSV is that, unlike influenza and COVID-19, we don't actually have anything to give you other than oxygen and fluids," he said. "The reason I'm recommending that all of my patients above 60 get it is because RSV is a very, very common virus that's been circulating for years, but one that we've been relatively helpless against," said Sinha. Health-care professionals are urging seniors to get the shot if they can access it. If you are eligible, that decision is up to you. there's such compelling evidence already in their view that they're going ahead and covering it." Should I get it? "Because the effectiveness of this vaccine is quite significant, many insurers have already decided when they look at the data, despite not having a NACI recommendation. Some people may have coverage through a private drug plan, said Sinha. Retired nurse pushing for new RSV vaccine to be free for all seniors in Canada. Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto, says the biggest challenge when a vaccine isn't publicly covered is that people feel it's probably not important, and that's not correct. In an earlier email to CBC News, Health Canada said guidance from NACI on the use of the vaccine is expected next year.ĭr. It may be covered in the future, but that will depend on each province or territory and how they implement NACI's guidance. Without guidance from NACI, those health authorities have been reluctant to include Arexvy for this season. It boils down to what the provincial and territorial health authorities decide to put on their drug plans for their province or territory. Why are some vaccines covered, but others aren't? If you do have to pay out-of-pocket, provinces and territories told CBC News the vaccine will cost you in the range of $200 to $350, depending on where you live. and Nunavut and they have not responded to our request by the time of publication. There is no publicly available guidance for N.W.T. told CBC News about their searchable database for pharmacies that will offer the shot. New Brunswick said individuals will have to pay for both the vaccine and having it administered. For example, in Nova Scotia you will need a prescription to access the vaccine. THE DOSE It took 60 years, but RSV vaccines are just around the corner - and could make a big difference NACI analyzes available evidence and provides guidance on who vaccines should be offered to, and how.Īlberta, B.C., Manitoba, New Brunswick, N.L., Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Saskatchewan and Yukon noted the vaccine would be available for purchase out-of-pocket in pharmacies or may be covered by private health insurance. Many provincial and territorial health authorities say they are waiting for guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) before deciding whether or not to include Arexvy in any publicly funded programs. That includes people living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and some retirement homes licensed to provide dementia care services in the province. Ontario is currently the only province that is publicly funding the RSV vaccine to some people over 60. Will my province or territory cover the cost? Many of you wrote to us or left comments asking questions about where you can get the shot and how much it costs. It also showed a 94 per cent efficacy in preventing severe RSV-associated illness, according to the FDA's analysis of data. In a clinical trial published earlier this year, Arexvy showed nearly 83 per cent efficacy in preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. RSV infections surge as hospitals brace for return of 'normal' respiratory virus season.
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