Alberta Expands Free RSV Vaccine Eligibility for Seniors

Alberta’s commitment to safeguarding its aging population against respiratory illnesses has taken a significant leap forward. The provincial government, which initially announced in October a free RSV vaccination program for seniors in care homes and a limited rollout for community-dwelling residents 75 and older, has now expanded eligibility to include all Albertans aged 70 and above. Additionally, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Albertans aged 60 and over will also have access to the vaccine at no cost.
The vaccine in question, Abrysvo, has been hailed as a crucial tool in preventing serious complications arising from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections—a threat particularly dangerous to older adults. At approximately $290 per dose, the cost of the shot would have been prohibitive for many seniors on fixed incomes or relying solely on pensions. Sarah Perez, the pharmacy manager at CurisRx Pharmacy in Mahogany, Calgary, noted that many of her customers were unaware of their eligibility. “A lot of people—even those with conditions like COPD or asthma—often forgo the vaccine simply because they can’t afford it,” Perez explained. “If you’ve got to choose between buying groceries or getting this vaccine, you’re probably going to pick the groceries.”
Under the expanded program, eligible seniors can receive the vaccine at participating community pharmacies, around 20 medical clinics, and 170 Alberta Health Services and First Nations health centres. “Alberta’s government expanded eligibility to ensure more seniors have access to the vaccine free of charge,” stated an Alberta Health spokesperson. The move is expected to offer an extra layer of protection to those at higher risk for severe RSV complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalizations, and in some cases, even death.
Moreover, the provincial government is removing previous restrictions that limited the number of pharmacies able to offer the vaccine. Last fall, distribution was capped at roughly 500 drugstores due to supply constraints. Now, any pharmacy that provides provincially funded vaccines can add Abrysvo to their offerings, although orders are currently limited to 10 doses at a time.
Health experts emphasize the importance of timing when it comes to immunizations. Alberta recommends administering the RSV shot either two weeks before or after a flu or COVID-19 vaccine to maximize effectiveness. Dr. Roger Wong, a clinical professor in geriatric medicine at the University of British Columbia, remarked, “Older people and infants are at higher risk of developing severe complications from RSV. Protecting our seniors with this vaccine is a significant step in reducing hospitalizations and saving lives.”
With 67 Albertans—57 of whom were over 60—having lost their lives to RSV this season, along with over 2,100 hospitalizations and 190 ICU admissions, the expanded vaccine program represents a proactive measure. As Alberta continues to monitor the impact of these initiatives, officials and experts alike remain optimistic that enhanced vaccine coverage will translate into improved health outcomes for the province’s most vulnerable residents.