New public funding for RSV vaccine

What is RSV and who is the vaccine for?

The Alberta government has announced that they will start covering the RSV vaccine for select populations. RSV stands for Respiratory syncytial virus. It is a common respiratory illness, with cold-like symptoms including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and decrease in appetite. In infants, RSV causes irritability, difficulty breathing, and decreased appetite or feeding. RSV infection in infants and children can cause inflammation and congestion in the small airways of the lung. There is a link between RSV infection in young children and developing asthma later in life.

Some people are at a higher risk for developing more severe illness from RSV, including infants, individuals over 65 years of age, and individuals who are immunocompromised. Other medical conditions that increase risk of complications include those with diabetes, BMI > 40kg/m2, heart, lung, kidney, and liver disease.

Details about the RSV Vaccine

At the moment, we have limited data of how long the vaccine efficacy lasts. Depending on the patient population and time from vaccine administration, the studies show between 67-94% efficacy against RSV infection. It does show waning efficacy over time. There is no current recommendations about boosters for the RSV vaccine.

There are two vaccines available at this time.

1. Arexvy is the RSV vaccine made by GSK approved in 2023. Although Arexvy is monovalent, it has been shown to be protective against RSV A and B. This vaccine contains an adjuvent, which may cause more irritation at the injection site. Arexvy is approved for those 60 years and older in age.

2. Abrysvo is the RSV vaccine made by Pfizer approved in 2024. Abrysvo is BIvalent (RSV A and B) and does not contain an adjuvent. Abrysvo is approved for use in those 60 years and older in age, as well as in pregnant women 32-36 weeks of gestation.

Health Canada considers both Arexvy and Abrysvo similar in efficacy and side effect profile, and they have not preference for one or the other. We tend to see it follow the same pattern as influenza, with increases of infections in the fall, winter and early spring. We recommend having the vaccine given in the fall or winter to take advantage of the vaccine efficacy fully.

Pricing for the RSV Vaccine in Alberta

Both vaccines are priced the same, costing a patient about $276 for one dose as of Oct 2024. The government is providing coverage for Abrysvo as of October 21, 2024 through select pharmacies, such as here at Palisades Pharmacy, for those who are 75 years or older living independently or 60 years or older living in a continuing care facility.

If you'd like to book an appointment for the RSV vaccine, please contact us at 780-406-0808. Our experienced pharmacists will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

References:

1. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv.html

2. https://arexvy.com/

3. https://www.abrysvo.com/

4. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Immunization/pages/rsv-vaccine.aspx

5. Pharmacist's Letter "Know What’s New With RSV Vaccines for Older Adults" Aug 2024

6. Pharmacist's Letter "Preventing RSV" Aug 2024