Study found increase in RSV-associated hospitalizations in premature babies in N.S.

A recent study has shed light on the impact of a policy change in 2016 regarding the vaccination of premature babies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Nova Scotia. This change led to a significant increase in the number of infants in this group being hospitalized with the respiratory virus.

The policy change, which restricted access to the RSV vaccine for premature babies born at 30 weeks gestation or less, was reversed in 2023 with the introduction of a new vaccine called nirsevimab. Dr. Joanne Langley, a pediatric infectious disease physician in Halifax, emphasized the importance of evaluating the effects of healthcare policy changes and taking proactive measures to prevent infants from contracting RSV.

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses a serious risk to infants and older individuals. Prior to 2016, premature babies born at 32 weeks gestation or less in Nova Scotia were eligible for palivizumab, an RSV vaccine. However, the eligibility criteria were revised in 2016, leading to a spike in hospitalizations among premature infants born at 30 to 32 weeks gestation.

Following the reintroduction of the vaccine for premature babies born at 32 weeks gestation and under, hospitalizations related to RSV in Nova Scotia have decreased. However, there are calls for a universal vaccination program in the province to ensure all infants are protected against this potentially life-threatening virus.

Carye Leighton, a mother in Halifax whose daughters contracted RSV as babies and required hospitalization, stressed the importance of universal access to the RSV vaccine. She recounted the fear and helplessness of witnessing her children struggle to breathe during their illness.

The Department of Health in Nova Scotia is currently reviewing the publicly funded immunization program for premature infants to explore opportunities for expansion. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends offering nirsevimab to all infants to prevent RSV infections.

Fabiana Bacchini, the executive director of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, highlighted the financial and emotional benefits of providing access to the RSV vaccine for all infants. Preventing RSV infections not only saves healthcare costs but also spares families the stress and hardship of having sick babies hospitalized.

In Nova Scotia, individuals aged 60 and older in long-term care facilities or awaiting placement are eligible for free RSV vaccination. Pregnant individuals in their third trimester can opt to pay for the vaccine to protect both themselves and their infants.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of proactive healthcare policies and universal access to vaccines in safeguarding the health and well-being of infants in Nova Scotia.