Nova Scotia’s RSV vaccine program leaves out vulnerable adults, patients say

Gregg Lambert, 72, was hospitalized earlier this year for two weeks due to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. (Submitted by Mary Pyche)Social SharingWhen Mary Pyche's partner was hospitalized for two weeks earlier this year with a severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection — suffering high fever, delirium and breathing trouble — his doctor recommended an RSV vaccination.

That leaves Pyche's partner, 72-year-old Gregg Lambert, ineligible for a free shot despite having lung cancer.

For Pyche, 68, and Lambert, the coverage gap is bothersome.

"As social workers, we certainly don't like the idea that we're supporting a health-care system that's two-tiered," said Pyche, who is also immunocompromised.

Two Halifax-area pharmacies told CBC News that buying the vaccine out-of-pocket costs over $320, including the injection fee.

Mary Pyche says it also bothers her that private health insurance wouldn't cover the RSV vaccine cost. (Submitted by Mary Pyche)While the couple has private health insurance, it does not cover RSV shots. The province covers annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines, leaving Pyche confused about why RSV protection is treated differently.

"They're recommending it to people and saying, 'This is what you need to stay healthy and well over the winter season, and it's not covered,'" she said.

According to the province's respiratory watch dashboard, 17 people have died from RSV infections over approximately the last year, all of whom were over 65. Almost 400 people have been hospitalized.

Pyche said while she and Lambert can afford the vaccine, they believe they have an obligation to speak out for those who cannot.

Lisa MacPherson, 62, was hospitalized earlier this year because of an RSV infection. While the Halifax resident gets vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, she hasn't received an RSV vaccination.

"I get what I'm required to get to stay safe, but I'm not eligible for the RSV shot. I can't afford that," she said.

Lisa MacPherson, 62, believes the province would save money in the health-care system by providing broader coverage to the free vaccine program. (Submitted by Lisa MacPherson)MacPherson, who has asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, remembers little from the first few days of her illness. Running a high fever and struggling to breathe, her daughter called a nurse friend, who advised heading straight to an emergency room by taxi rather than waiting for an ambulance.

"Everything was done at the hospital perfectly, as far as I know, because I'm here," MacPherson said. "But it was pretty scary, especially for my daughter, who had never dealt with something like this before."

MacPherson described the RSV infection as being like the worst flu you could imagine, coupled with hallucinations.

She'd like to see the province expand its RSV vaccine eligibility.

"I'm not sure how much that costs the province to keep me there in the hospital for a week, but I'm pretty sure it was a lot more than the $300 or $400 that the RSV shot would cost and could have avoided the hospital stay," MacPherson said.

She said it took a few months for the brain fog from the infection to clear up.

In a statement, the Department of Health and Wellness said publicly funded vaccine programs are based on evidence, disease burden, risk of severe illness and expert advice. The department noted that while RSV can cause serious illness in younger adults with underlying conditions, the highest rates of hospitalization occur in adults aged 75 and older and those in long-term care.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recently updated its guidance to recommend RSV vaccines for adults aged 65 to 74 with high-risk chronic conditions. The province said it is reviewing that recommendation, but has not yet made a decision.

A pharmacist draws a dose of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine into a syringe as she prepares a shot for a patient. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)"Immunization programs are regularly reviewed to ensure they reflect the best available evidence and continue to meet the needs of Nova Scotians," the department said.

"Individuals who are not currently eligible for publicly funded vaccination may wish to speak with their health-care provider about private vaccine options."

MacPherson would like the province to change its approach.

"It just seems to be a no-brainer," she said. "Let's spend the money to keep them out of the hospital, so we don't run into having a lot of people in the hospital."

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Richard Woodbury is a journalist with CBC Nova Scotia. He can be reached at richard.woodbury@cbc.ca.

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