Province expands access to RSV vaccine for infants and older adults

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The provincial government announced that infants and people over 75 will now be able to access the vaccine protecting against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for free.

At an announcement in Halifax, Health Minister Michelle Thompson said starting Wednesday, Nova Scotians aged 75 and older can book a free vaccine through pharmacies, public health or online. The first appointments will be for Monday, Sept. 15, and primary care providers will start offering the shot in November.

A program for infants under eight months will now be offered every RSV season, according to Thompson.

“Newborns will be offered their dose before being discharged from hospital, and other eligible infants can receive their dose from their primary care provider or public health,” read a release from the health department. “This year, the program runs October 15 to April 30.”

The newly announced programs build on existing vaccination availability for people in long-term care and children under two with certain health conditions.

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“We are committed to supporting a healthy and thriving population,” said Minister Thompson. “That’s why we are delivering on our promise of free protection against RSV to help keep our most vulnerable Nova Scotians healthy this season.”

Public Health says RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to severe complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults.