Whereas in 2024, the availability of Arexvy, a vaccine approved by Health Canada in August for adults aged 60 and over, marks a significant milestone in protecting older adults against the respiratory syncytial virus RSV; And whereas Arexvy has demonstrated nearly 83 per cent efficacy in preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV and a 94 per cent efficacy in preventing severe RSV-associated illness, according to the FDAs analysis of data; And whereas the authorization of Arexvy for use in Canada addresses the critical need for preventing RSV in older adults, who may face greater risks of severe outcomes, including hospitalization, and the potential overwhelming of the hospital system, as experienced during the pandemic, underscores the importance of safeguarding the health of older adults by preventing RSV infections: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia to treat the RSV vaccine as an essential preventative measure, similar to other critical vaccines, and work towards subsidizing its cost to eliminate the burden of a 300 per full dose on individuals seeking protection against RSV.
Ministry of Health New RSV vaccines from GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Moderna have been approved by Health Canada for use in adults aged 60 years and older. In March 2025, Canadas National Advisory Committee on Immunization NACI updated their guidance on the use of these vaccines. When a new vaccine is approved for use by Health Canada, we look to NACI and our provincial public health and immunization experts to assess and advise whether it should be added to our publicly funded immunization program in BC. These groups consider a comprehensive range of factors when developing their recommendations, including but not limited to the burden of illness, vaccine efficacy and safety, cost-effectiveness, implementation feasibility, ethics, and equity. The Ministry of Health then reviews these recommendations in the context of all health system priorities. RSV vaccines are not currently part of BCs publicly funded immunization program; however, our publicly funded immunization programs are reviewed regularly to consider changes and additions. As of October 2022, PharmaCare pays pharmacies a fee of 11.41 for administering non-publicly funded vaccines, including RSV vaccines. While this does not cover the cost of the vaccine, it reduces out of pocket costs for the patient. Some health insurance plans may also cover the cost of the vaccines.