What if RSV vaccines were given out like flu shots? Deaths could be cut 'dramatically', new study says

"The 360" shows you diverse perspectives on the day's top stories and debates.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

It's the middle of Canada's respiratory virus season, and health-care professionals are urging people across the country to get their vaccines for a range of viruses — especially older adults who are typically more vulnerable. While that includes mRNA-based COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal shots, Canadian seniors will — for the first time — have access to two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.

For years, the impact of RSV on Canadian seniors likely went underappreciated, Dr. Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health and the University Health Network in Toronto, previously told Yahoo Canada. While many healthcare professionals might not have been testing for the lower respiratory tract disease, some experts say it could be similar to the rates of hospitalizations and death seen with influenza. In Canada, influenza causes about 3,500 deaths annually.

But are the current RSV vaccines easily accessible for Canadians across the country? Read on to learn more about how Canada is tackling the widespread disease.

What's the current situation with RSV vaccines in Canada?

As of Thursday, Health Canada has approved two respiratory syncytial virus vaccines. That includes GSK's Arexvy vaccine, which was given the green light on Aug. 4, as well as Pfizer's bivalent Abrysvo vaccine on Jan. 4.

Both of those vaccines have been approved for use in adults older than age 60. However, only the Abrysvo shot has been authorized for use in people who are pregnant and between 32 and 36 weeks of gestational age, as well as infants from birth to six months of age.

But in most provinces, these vaccines are not publicly funded, meaning people will have to pay out of pocket to get protection. Only the province of Ontario has agreed to cover the RSV vaccines, but only for people living in long-term care facilities and some retirement homes. Other provinces will have RSV vaccines available, but they're not publicly funded, according to Global News.

What does the new study on RSV vaccines say?

A new study published on Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases indicated illness and death could be reduced "dramatically" if RSV vaccines were given out to people older than age 60 like flu shots. Conducted by Yale University researchers, the study reported if 66 per cent of the older adult population were given RSV vaccines, it would decrease the burden of patients on the United States' health-care system.

Furthermore, an annual RSV vaccine could cut millions of dollars in annual outpatient and hospitalization costs south of the border. Researchers also looked at two scenarios, where vaccines were given to 66 per cent of the population in one year, and then 100 per cent of people in another year.

In that first year, outpatient care would be reduced by 41.4 to 53.6 per cent and hospitalizations by 57.6 to 60.5 per cent. It would also see RSV-related deaths drop by 58.5 to 60.4 per cent.

But if the entire population were given RSV vaccines, outpatient care would be reduced by 62.9 to 81.2 per cent. Hospitalizations would reduce by 87.4 to 91.7 per cent, and deaths by 87.6 to 91.3 per cent.

How does Canada's situation with RSV compare to other countries?

Canada is a bit late to the game when it comes to approving its RSV vaccines. While the country has now approved both GSV's Arexy dose and Pfizer's Abrysvo jab, other countries were ahead of the game.

In the European Union, the Arexy vaccine was approved in June and the Abrysvo shot was authorized for use in August. The United States approved the first vaccine back in May, while the dose by Pfizer was given permission for use first in May for older adults and then a maternal version in August.

Perspectives

Cost for patients is 'un-Canadian'

While costs vary across Canada, most people seeking the RSV vaccine should expect to pay upwards of $350, according to CBC News and Global News. It's a price tag that leaves many shocked, British Columbia-based pharmacist Nika Maghsoud told CTV News in December. "Some of them just turn away, some of them go away to think about it, never come back."

Bradford, Ont. resident Walter Armstrong, 73, told OrilliaMatters that if he contracts RSV, it's "a death sentence" — and he doesn't expect to be able to afford the vaccine any time soon. "I just find it so inherently, patently un-Canadian — we do not leave the poor and the sick to die," he told the outlet in October.

Big companies profit, the poorest struggle

Armstrong added he thinks it's "morally repugnant" multi-national pharmaceutical companies are able to profit off of "the backs of the poorest and weakest." It's a different mindset from the 1950s, where he recalled Canada was the "envy of the whole democratic, English-speaking world."

RSV-related deaths 'overrepresented' in hospitals worldwide

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, a Toronto General Hospital infectious diseases specialist, previously told Yahoo Canada there will be greater access to RSV vaccines in the days and weeks to come. However, he also there's a lot of data indicating there are a lot of deaths at hospitals due to these infections.

"There's overwhelming data, not just from Canada, but globally to demonstrate that hospital settings are sadly overrepresented in deaths as a result of these infections," said Bogoch.

"These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of severe manifestations of infection. So they may not stop these viruses in their tracks, but they can really slow down the rate of severe illness and prevent many people from becoming hospitalized."

A costly venture

According to the new study on RSV vaccines, it could cost billions of dollars in the United States to cover the costs of RSV vaccines in older adults. The scenario where 66 per cent of people were covered was reportedly the most cost-effective, but the study indicated the American health-care system would have to pay between "$6.4 to $7.1 billion for one season."

According to Statistics Canada population data released in December 2022, there are just under 10 million Canadians older than age 60. If Canada were to cover the $350 price tag for 66 per cent of that population, it would cost around $2.3 billion.

We must put a 'spotlight' on RSV

Laura Tamblyn Watts, founder and CEO of CanAge, said in a news release that RSV can't go unnoticed. "RSV is a virus that we need to put a spotlight on. It spreads easily and it's not something you can completely avoid.

"It's important for all of us to be mindful of RSV prevention to help protect our loved ones and more vulnerable populations."

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.