A new report from the University of British Columbia has revealed those statistics in a new light. These important results underscore the increasing burden of SOS RSV-related hospitalizations in Canada. Infants under six months account for nearly fifty percent of all RSV-related hospitalizations. This believed number has sent health officials to urgently push the adoption of preventive measures.
In Canada, the annual economic burden of healthcare associated with RSV has been estimated at $66.3 million. Astonishingly, nearly half of that figure is spent providing for babies less than six months old. The cost — both emotional and fiscal — is overwhelming. Young patients who do require a stay – for many seriously ill pediatric patients, costs can average $8,000 with some exceeding $80,000 – and particularly among those who need emergency ventilation support in intensive care units.
Infants are particularly susceptible. Infants have immature immune systems and limited antibodies to fight the virus. Mothers naturally transmit RSV antibodies to their babies through the placenta. This passive immunity begins to wane around the age of six months. A 2016 study in Ontario found that over 80 percent of children younger than two hospitalized for RSV were previously healthy. This insight underscores the unpredictable nature of the virus.
Health Canada has recently approved two key interventions: Abrysvo, a vaccine for pregnant individuals, and nirsevimab, an antibody that provides temporary immunity to infants. Abrysvo will be provided at no charge to pregnant First Nations peoples. Yet the rest could owe over $300 if their baby is born during the cold and flu season.
In BC, parents have an important choice to make in protecting infants from RSV with vaccines. Sadly, only 16 percent of infants in need of protection now get it through these programs. This sparse coverage poses serious implications for health equity, especially for families who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.
“It seems so amazing that we have this option but multiple provinces aren’t offering it.” – Katrina Bellavance
The Ministry of Health has already acknowledged that numerous external influences inform health guidance. These factors include the burden of illness, the evidence of vaccine efficacy and safety, cost-effectiveness, and equity considerations.
“Without expanding the programs we won’t be able to address increasing health equity issues, where some people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket will miss out.” – Ministry representative
Bellavance shared her son’s story of surviving RSV. Her journey emphasizes how debilitating this disease can get.
Her testimony included an account of how once-active baby felt runt down that Hook during inpatient stay.
“Within minutes there were 15 people in the room caring for her.” – Bellavance
Healthcare professionals have been advocating forcefully for expanded access to robust vaccination strategies to prevent RSV. There are no more urgent and compelling preventive measures to take than these.
“She’s always been a lively baby but she barely cried while in hospital because she didn’t have the energy.” – Bellavance
The urgency for comprehensive vaccination strategies against RSV is evident as healthcare professionals advocate for broader access to these preventive measures.
