Mary Pyche’s partner, Gregg Lambert, 72, was hospitalized due to a severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection earlier this year. Lambert’s doctor recommended an RSV vaccination, but Nova Scotia’s free RSV vaccination program only includes infants under eight months old, adults 60 and older in long-term care, and adults 75 and older. This leaves Lambert ineligible for the free shot despite having lung cancer, which is frustrating for Pyche, 68, and Lambert.
Private health insurance does not cover RSV shots, unlike the coverage for annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The cost of buying the RSV vaccine out-of-pocket at two Halifax-area pharmacies is over $320, including the injection fee. Pyche, who is also immunocompromised, is puzzled by the different treatment of RSV protection compared to other vaccines.
The province’s respiratory watch dashboard reports that 17 individuals, all over 65 years old, have died from RSV infections in the past year, with nearly 400 hospitalizations. Pyche and Lambert can afford the vaccine but feel obligated to advocate for those who cannot access it.
Lisa MacPherson, 62, hospitalized with RSV earlier this year, is concerned about the lack of RSV vaccination coverage. She receives flu and COVID-19 vaccinations but not the RSV shot due to cost constraints. MacPherson, who has asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, experienced a harrowing illness, likening the RSV infection to a severe flu with hallucinations.
The Department of Health and Wellness stated that publicly funded vaccine programs are guided by evidence, disease burden, risk factors, and expert advice. While RSV can cause severe illness in younger adults with underlying conditions, adults aged 75 and older and those in long-term care face higher hospitalization rates. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization suggested RSV vaccines for high-risk adults aged 65 to 74, and the province is reviewing this recommendation.
MacPherson and others advocate for expanding RSV vaccine eligibility to prevent costly hospitalizations. The department encourages individuals ineligible for public vaccination to discuss private vaccine options with their healthcare providers. MacPherson emphasizes the importance of investing in preventive measures to reduce hospitalizations and healthcare costs.
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