Source: www.cbc.ca
Vaccine will be free for infants six months and younger, those 70 and older
Newfoundland and Labrador is expanding the eligibility criteria for the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, vaccine to include infants aged six months and younger as well as those 75 and older.
RSV is a common, highly-contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract. It can quickly become dangerous for infants, leading to hospitalization and in rare cases death.
“This is about ensuring our most vulnerable populations will be protected,” Health Minister Evans told reporters Monday morning.
She said the announcement is part of the provincial budget set to be unveiled Wednesday. In a statement, the province said $3.9 million has been earmarked to expand the availability of the vaccines.
Evans said the eligibility expansion will ensure populations at higher risk of having serious health complications from RSV will get the vaccine.
“For many of us, RSV can look like nothing other than a mild cold,” said Evans. “However, those at high risk, such as infants, seniors and individuals who are immune compromised, it can cause serious, even life-threatening, complications.”
In 2024, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, which advises the federal government, recommended that provinces work “towards a universal RSV immunization program for all infants.”
Only four provinces — Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, British Columbia and New Brunswick — reserved coverage for high-risk infants.
Evans was joined by Newfoundland and Labrador’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, who said RSV is so common that by the time children are two, they will have been infected.
For some children, she said infection can mean a trip to the emergency department, intensive care unit or even long-term lung problems.
“Especially if they become infected before six months of age. Starting this spring, we’re going to change that story,” said Fitzgerald.
She said universal access for babies born in N.L. will reduce the rate of severe RSV disease while also protecting those who are vulnerable.
She said the vaccine will be administered before the baby leaves the hospital after birth or shortly thereafter.
“This is truly wonderful news for our province,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald said details and logistics for the program’s rollout are being finalized and expects it will be ready in the fall.
Evans said Monday’s announcement is about ensuring equity in the health-care system when it comes to vaccinations.
She said young people and elderly are the most vulnerable populations and it’s important to address gaps and ensure everyone in the province has access to the care they need.
“We know we have to improve health outcomes for all our residents but that only can be achieved when we are able to ensure everyone of us, everyone of us, regardless of our location or individual circumstance, has the supports we need to live and age well within our lives,” said Evans.
She added the province is “rebuilding” the health care-system, pointing to the upcoming budget that will be delivered Wednesday.