Doctors are calling on Alberta to offer a free shot to protect newborns against severe forms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
Different from a regular vaccine, nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody. The injection, approved by Health Canada, contains laboratory-made proteins that act like those created by the body’s immune system.
This preventative medication, which goes by the brand name Beyfortus, is not yet available in Alberta.
Here in Alberta, I feel like we have a disadvantage compared to other provinces, says Fiona Mattatall, an obstetrician in Calgary.
Elsewhere in Canada
Ontario and Quebec recently announced the launch of fully provincially funded infant programs. The Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut also offer coverage.
Dr. Fiona Mattatall would like the province to also offer the product for free.
We have not heard anything from the Minister of Health or Public Health to help us know what obstetricians need to do to guide our patients through this RSV season.
A quote from Fiona Mattatall, obstetrician, Calgary
Alberta Health Services confirmed to CBC that the shots were not offered to newborns.
For the 2024-2025 season, AHS continues to work to obtain nirsevimab (Beyfortus) for Alberta newborns, but the manufacturer has not been able to guarantee supply, a spokesperson said by email.
The statement does not specify how many doses the province is trying to secure or whether universal coverage will be offered to infants. According to the province, the injection is also not available on the private market.
Other options
The Abrysvo vaccine, which is given to pregnant women during their pregnancy to pass RSV immunity to their babies, was recently approved by Health Canada.
The vaccine is available in pharmacies, at the patient’s expense. Dr. Fiona Mattatall would like universal, free coverage of this alternative option.
High-risk infants may receive an injection of an older monoclonal antibody during RSV season.
Universal protection recommended
In the latest recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), published this year, provinces are recommended to move towards universal protection for infants against RSV.
He recommends nirsevimab over the other two options.
She also asks the province to make the injection accessible and to cover the costs.
She points out that although premature babies and those with specific illnesses are at high risk, RSV can also affect healthy infants.
This is a problem for all babies. And, unfortunately, it’s a rare event, but it’s possible that these babies sometimes die from this infection, she said.
Sam Wong, chair of the pediatric section of the Alberta Medical Association and medical director of the Canadian Pediatric Society, notes that patchwork implementation in Canada leads to some confusion for parents as well as health care providers health.
The problem is the price, says Dr. Wong, specifying that each injection costs a little less than $1,000 and that it lasts one season of the virus.
He hopes the price will come down within a year or two.
Sanofi, the company that makes the antibody shot, said it continues to work with all provinces to facilitate access to the drug for infants.
With information from Jennifer Lee
