N.S. parents dismayed by lack of access to new RSV vaccines for infants
Nova Scotia parents are facing challenges in getting their young children immunized with newly authorized vaccines meant to protect infants from RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common but highly contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe illness in vulnerable populations, such as infants.
Quebec and Ontario have already started rolling out a vaccination program for infants using two monoclonal antibody products – nirsevimab and palivizumab. These vaccines contain laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s natural defenses. However, the situation in Nova Scotia is different.
Hannah Markham, a nurse practitioner with a three-month-old, has been trying to get her child vaccinated with no success. Despite reaching out to Public Health and the IWK Health Centre, she was informed that RSV vaccines are only available in Nova Scotia for high-risk infants and pregnant individuals. Even contacting pharmacies and the pharmaceutical company producing the vaccines did not yield any results.
Kathleen Smith, another parent, has also faced difficulties in accessing the vaccine for her six-month-old. With RSV rates climbing in the province, not being able to protect her child has been disappointing. The lack of a publicly funded RSV vaccine program for all infants in Nova Scotia is concerning, especially since the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended a universal immunization program for infants in May.
According to Amanda Silliker from the Department of Health and Wellness, while there is no universal RSV vaccine program for infants in the province, the IWK does offer protection for high-risk infants. The department is aware of the public interest in monoclonal antibodies and is reviewing the recommendations for offering protection against RSV for infants in the future.
Factors such as disease burden, population health benefits, and vaccine supply are considered for a publicly funded immunization program. In the meantime, RSV vaccines will be available next month for Nova Scotians aged 60 and older living in licensed long-term care facilities and hospital inpatients of that age about to be placed in long-term care.
The struggle of Nova Scotia parents to access RSV vaccines highlights the need for a comprehensive and accessible immunization program to protect infants from respiratory infections like RSV. As the province evaluates the possibility of offering protection for infants in the future, parents like Hannah and Kathleen hope for a solution to ensure the health and safety of their children during cold and flu season.
