While Quebec and Ontario have launched a universal vaccination program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parents in Nova Scotia deplore the difficulty they are experiencing in vaccinating their newborns against this infection.
The VRS is an extremely contagious respiratory infection. For most people, the symptoms are similar to those of a cold. However, in populations more at risk — such as seniors, newborns or people suffering from respiratory or heart problems — the virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and require hospitalization.
Both Quebec and Ontario have launched free vaccination programs for infants. It is a preventive treatment with a monoclonal antibody which, once injected, imitates the natural defenses of the immune system.
In Nova Scotia, access to this vaccine is not as simple, emphasizes Hannah Markhamnurse practitioner and mother of a three-month-old baby.
Right now, it doesn’t look like we’re going to get this vaccine, at least not in the near future
she summarizes.
She herself took several steps to find a way to have her child vaccinated. She first went to Public Health, who redirected her to the pediatric hospital. IWK d’Halifax.
She was then informed that in Nova Scotia, the vaccine against VRS was administered only to high-risk newborns and pregnant women.
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Nirsevimab is a vaccine known to be effective against complications related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Photo : Associated Press / AstraZeneca
Hannah Markham also contacted several pharmacies in Halifax and a pharmaceutical company that manufactures this vaccine.
His attempts were in vain. I’m not sure what to do now
she said.
Kathleen Smithmother of a six-month-old infant, experienced a similar situation. It was impossible for her to get a vaccine from the province or to obtain one privately, a situation that she describes as disappointing.
We’re entering flu and cold season, and from what I’ve heard, the rate of VRS reported is increasing
she notes. Know that [ce vaccin] has proven its effectiveness and is accessible elsewhere in the country, but not here, which is really regrettable.
There is no funded program yet, says province
In a statement issued in May, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommended that Canadian health systems implement a universal immunization program against VRS for all infants.
Currently, such a publicly funded universal program has not yet been implemented in Nova Scotia, confirms the spokesperson for the province’s Department of Health and Wellness, Amanda Silliker.
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Amanda Silliker confirms that RSV vaccine is available at the IWK for high-risk newborns.
Photo : - / Paul Palmeter
Public health is currently studying the recommendations of the CCNI and explores the possibility of offering protection against VRS to newborns
she wrote in an email to CBC.
Certain factors must be evaluated by the ministry before an immunization program is funded by the state, she notes, including the impact of the disease, the benefits of the vaccine for the health of the population and the vaccine supply.
From November, the vaccine against VRS will be available to Nova Scotians over the age of 60 who are hospitalized or residing in a long-term care facility.
According to Danielle’s report Edwards of CBC
