RSV vaccine will be free for those in CHSLDs and RPAs in Quebec

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be offered free of charge to certain priority groups this fall, the Quebec government announced Friday.

People 60 and over living in long-term care centres (CHSLDs) and intermediate resources supporting the autonomy of seniors will be able to get vaccinated free of charge against RSV, as well as those 75 and over in private seniors’ residences (RPAs).

The province hopes to achieve “immunization against this infection” as well as a “reduction in the complications associated with it.”

The Health Ministry’s decision was made following an opinion from the Quebec Immunization Committee, which reported that in July, seniors living in residential settings are among the groups most at risk of encountering serious complications caused by RSV.

RSV causes cold-like symptoms that are usually mild, but can sometimes lead to a serious respiratory infection in more vulnerable people or worsen existing medical conditions.

RSV infections are a common cause of hospitalization and death among seniors, noted the Quebec Immunization Committee.

In addition, the government announced that preventive treatment for babies will also be available from this fall.

“I encourage all eligible people to take advantage of this opportunity to take advantage of the doses offered,” said Health Minister Christian Dubé in a press release.

The RSV vaccine, as well as the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, will be delivered through mobile teams that will visit health facilities.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews