An infant vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is now accessible throughout Canada, but parents in British Columbia still have to bear the steep cost out of pocket. Dr. Patrick Hemmons, a family physician from northern British Columbia, had to journey to Seattle last year to purchase a dose of nirsevimab for his premature daughter. He expressed relief that others will not have to undertake such international trips to secure the antibody.
Advocates, including parents and healthcare professionals, are not only calling for the vaccination to be universally available to all infants but also for it to be provided free of charge. Nirsevimab, approved by Health Canada in April 2023, is recommended for all infants during their first RSV season, typically in the fall and winter. Marketed by AstraZeneca as Beyfortus in Canada through Sanofi, the price ranges from $800 to $900.
The majority of Canada offers a publicly funded RSV program where nirsevimab is provided at no cost to all babies, except in British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick. In British Columbia, nirsevimab coverage is limited to high-risk infants and those born in specific remote areas. RSV, usually causing a mild cold, can lead to severe illness in vulnerable groups like newborns and older adults.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine revealed that infants under six months accounted for nearly half of all RSV-related hospital admissions in Canada, resulting in significant costs. Parents like Katrina Bellavance, whose daughter was hospitalized due to RSV, emphasize the importance of making the antibody treatment widely available to prevent such distressing experiences.
While the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommended prioritizing coverage for high-risk infants due to nirsevimab’s high cost, they also proposed working towards a universal RSV immunization program for all infants. Provinces have the authority to decide on medication coverage costs, with the B.C. Ministry of Health reviewing eligibility criteria annually. Despite the availability of nirsevimab for high-risk infants in British Columbia for the upcoming respiratory illness season, children not meeting the criteria can still access the antibody privately.
Dr. Katharine Smart, a pediatrician and former president of the Canadian Medical Association, anticipates that coverage eligibility may evolve given the economic benefits of offering nirsevimab to all infants. She stresses the importance of raising awareness about the vaccine to ensure accessibility for all infants.
