RSV shot now free for larger number of older Albertans
The Alberta government has recently expanded the eligibility criteria for provincially funded RSV vaccines, making it accessible to more seniors in the province. Initially announced in October, the RSV shot, Abrysvo, was offered for free to seniors aged 60 and above living in care homes, with a limited supply available to those aged 75 and above in the community.
The age range for eligibility has now been extended to include all Albertans aged 70 and above, as well as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Albertans who are 60 and over. This change came into effect on Monday, allowing more seniors to access the vaccine to protect against respiratory syncytial virus.
Sarah Perez, the pharmacy manager at CurisRx Pharmacy in Calgary, emphasized the importance of educating eligible individuals about the provincially funded RSV vaccine. Many customers may not be aware of their eligibility or may have been deterred by the high cost of the vaccine, which can be around $290. With many seniors on fixed incomes and lacking private insurance, the expansion of eligibility is a welcome development.
Alberta Health has made arrangements for eligible seniors to receive the RSV vaccine at participating community pharmacies, medical clinics, and Alberta Health Services and First Nations health centers. The government’s decision to lift the cap on the number of pharmacies offering the vaccine in the community will further improve access to the vaccine.
Dr. Roger Wong, a clinical professor in geriatric medicine at the University of British Columbia, highlighted the importance of protecting older adults from RSV complications. Older individuals and infants are at higher risk of developing severe complications such as pneumonia from an RSV infection. The RSV vaccine is an effective way to safeguard older adults against serious infections, particularly as their ability to fight off infections diminishes with age.
The expansion of eligibility in Alberta, including funding for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Albertans, is a positive step towards providing additional protection to vulnerable populations. With 67 Albertans, including 57 individuals over the age of 60, succumbing to RSV this respiratory virus season, monitoring the impact of the vaccine will be crucial moving forward.
Overall, the expansion of eligibility for provincially funded RSV vaccines in Alberta is a significant advancement in protecting seniors and vulnerable populations from the serious consequences of respiratory infections. Collecting data on the effectiveness of the vaccine will be essential in determining the need for further extensions to eligibility criteria.
