An infant vaccination to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is now accessible throughout Canada, yet most parents in British Columbia must bear the cost themselves, which is considerably high. Dr. Patrick Hemmons, a family physician from northern B.C., recalls the challenges he faced when he had to travel to Seattle last year to purchase a dose of nirsevimab for his premature daughter. He expressed relief that others will no longer have to go to such lengths to obtain the antibody.
Advocates, including parents and medical professionals, are not only advocating for universal availability of the vaccine for all infants but also for it to be provided free of charge. Health Canada approved nirsevimab in April 2023 for use in infants during their first RSV season, typically in the fall and winter. Marketed as Beyfortus by Sanofi in Canada, the drug is manufactured by AstraZeneca and is priced between $800 to $900.
While most of Canada offers publicly funded RSV programs that provide nirsevimab at no cost to infants, British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick are exceptions. In British Columbia, the drug is covered only for high-risk infants and those born in specific remote areas. Hemmons shared that despite his daughter being born prematurely, she did not meet the criteria for immunization.
RSV usually causes mild cold symptoms but can lead to severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups such as older adults and newborns. A recent study from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine revealed that infants under six months accounted for almost 45% of all RSV-related hospitalizations in Canada and nearly 50% of the total annual costs.
Parents like Katrina Bellavance, from Calgary, emphasized the importance of making antibody treatments available, especially for premature babies, to prevent hospitalizations and reduce stress for families. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommended prioritizing coverage for high-risk infants due to the high cost of nirsevimab.
However, the committee also suggested moving towards a universal RSV immunization program for all infants. Coverage decisions regarding the cost of medications, including nirsevimab, are left to individual provinces. The B.C. Ministry of Health stated that 4,000 doses of nirsevimab are available for high-risk infants for the 2025-26 respiratory illness season, with provisions for private purchase if eligibility criteria are not met.
Dr. Katharine Smart, a pediatrician and former president of the Canadian Medical Association, anticipates changes in coverage eligibility based on economic considerations and health system pressures. She stressed the importance of raising awareness about nirsevimab to ensure families are informed of this option and advocated for making it accessible to all infants.
