An infant vaccination for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been introduced nationwide in Canada, but parents in British Columbia still have to pay a high price out of pocket for it. Dr. Patrick Hemmons, a family physician in northern B.C., had to travel to Seattle last year to purchase nirsevimab for his premature daughter. He expressed relief that others won’t have to go through the same ordeal to obtain the antibody, emphasizing its effectiveness in preventing RSV.
While the availability of the shot to all infants is welcomed, both parents and doctors are advocating for it to be provided free of charge. Health Canada approved nirsevimab in April 2023 for all infants during their first RSV season, which typically occurs in the fall and winter. Marketed as Beyfortus by Sanofi in Canada, the medication, manufactured by AstraZeneca, comes with a price tag ranging from $800 to $900.
Across most of Canada, there are publicly funded RSV programs allowing babies to receive nirsevimab at no cost. However, British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick are exceptions. In B.C., only high-risk infants and those in specific remote areas are covered for nirsevimab. Concerns arise as babies under six months constitute a significant portion of RSV-related hospital admissions and costs in Canada.
The call for universal coverage stems from the experiences of parents like Katrina Bellavance, whose daughter was hospitalized due to RSV. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended prioritizing coverage for high-risk infants due to the expensive nature of nirsevimab but also proposed working towards a universal immunization program for all infants.
Provincial governments have the authority to decide on medication coverage costs. The B.C. Ministry of Health reviews immunization coverage criteria annually and has allocated 4,000 doses of nirsevimab for high-risk infants in the upcoming respiratory illness season. While children not meeting the criteria can still access the antibody privately, the availability for private purchase is determined by the manufacturer.
Dr. Katharine Smart, a pediatrician, anticipates potential changes in coverage eligibility, especially considering the economic implications of RSV illness. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about nirsevimab and ensuring its accessibility to all infants, regardless of risk factors.