Health Canada has granted approval for the first vaccine designed to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults aged 60 and above. Manufactured by GSK, the vaccine called Arexvy is expected to have limited availability for the upcoming RSV season. RSV is a highly contagious virus that often presents as a common cold, but can cause more severe illness such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously approved the vaccine in May. This development is seen as a major breakthrough in preventing severe illness and death among older Canadians, according to Dr. Samir Sinha, the director of geriatrics at Sinai Health and University Health Network in Toronto. The call for an RSV vaccine for seniors has been long-standing, as older individuals are more likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization as a result of the virus.
The approval of the vaccine marks a significant milestone after years of research and development. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist with the University Health Network in Toronto, commented on the vaccine’s approval, stating that it will greatly reduce the risk of severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. The vaccine’s efficacy is evident from a clinical trial, which showed an 82% effectiveness in preventing lower respiratory tract disease when compared to a placebo and a 94% effectiveness in seniors with underlying medical conditions.
While it is difficult to determine the exact burden of RSV-related hospitalizations and deaths in Canada as tracking is insufficient, it is estimated that the rates could be similar to those seen with influenza, if not worse due to the rapid spread of RSV and delayed symptom development. In Canada, approximately 12,200 people are hospitalized and 3,500 die from influenza each year.
RSV season typically begins in late fall and persists throughout the spring in Canada. Health Canada stated that the vaccine is a single-dose injection, but further guidance regarding recurring doses or boosters is yet to be determined. Based on available data, the vaccine is expected to provide protection for up to two years; however, additional research is necessary to confirm this timeframe.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is expected to release guidance on the use of the RSV vaccine next year, prioritizing protection for infants before addressing other age groups such as older adults. Decisions on whether to incorporate the vaccine into existing RSV programs will be left to individual provinces and territories, with Health Canada offering support on an individual basis. It is hoped that the Canadian government will cover the cost of the vaccine to ensure accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.
In addition to older adults, infants are also at a higher risk of severe illness from RSV. Although there is currently no RSV vaccine for children, antibody injections can be given to high-risk babies to prevent serious illness. The availability and recommendation of such injections for babies in Canada this fall are yet to be confirmed.
The approval of the RSV vaccine for older adults is a significant milestone in healthcare and will contribute to the prevention of severe illness and death caused by RSV. As the vaccine becomes available, healthcare professionals are likely to recommend it to their patients. The limited availability of the vaccine may pose challenges, but it is hoped that widespread access will be established in the near future. Moving forward, continued research and public health efforts are necessary to combat RSV effectively and ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations.
