We have had a growing number of patients asking for information about the RSV vaccine for older adults. See below for frequently asked questions and answers. All answers in “quotations” come from the Toronto Public Health website (source)
What is RSV?
“Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It usually starts spreading in the fall and peaks in the winter months. RSV infection can happen at any age; however, it can be more serious in young children and older adults with underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Are there vaccines for this virus?
Yes - “AREXVY is a new vaccine recently approved by Health Canada for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in people 60 years of age and older.”
Is the government paying for this vaccine?
The Ontario government is only funding vaccines for those in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and some retirement wards that specialize in dementia care.
If I am 60+ but am not eligible for government funding, what are my options?
It is important to note that The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has not yet provided recommendations about using this vaccine - so we do not yet have official guidance about whether you would benefit from this vaccine.
If you would like to receive it, you have a few options to pay for the vaccine privately (cost is around $300). You can go directly to most travel clinics (ex. Dawson Travel Clinic) to receive it. You can also ask your family doctor to write you a prescription and book an appointment with a nurse at our clinic to receive it for an addition fee.
What else do I need to know about the vaccine?
“AREXVY is given as a single dose. A 14 day period is needed between receiving AREXVY and another vaccine, such as COVID-19 and the flu.
Side Effects & Risks
Early evidence from clinical trials has shown that AREXVY PDF is generally well tolerated with the most reported adverse events being injection site pain, tiredness, headache, muscle pain and joint pain. Common side effects can include redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, and runny nose.
Swelling of lymph nodes, and allergic reaction such as rash, nausea, or stomach pain is uncommon. Serious side effects from the vaccine are rare.”