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.
