Clinicians and scientists at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health encourage older and high-risk adults, including those diagnosed with COPD, to talk to their doctors about receiving an RSV vaccine this respiratory illness season.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a respiratory virus that affects the lungs and airways and can cause cold- and flu-like symptoms. RSV is very common; in fact, you’ve probably already had it! Most people will experience at least one RSV infection by the time they are just two years old.
While RSV largely affects children, researchers at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health (FIRH) want people to know that adults do still contract this virus, and often face health complications because of it. This is particularly common among high-risk adults, including those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
RSV is usually underdiagnosed in adults for a few reasons, including its similarities to other respiratory illnesses and the misconception that it’s a pediatric illness. However, a group of researchers has found that each year, 4 to 10 percent of high-risk adults as well as 3 to 7 percent of healthy older adults will contract RSV.
Although most people who contract RSV have mild symptoms, it can often lead to further complications and respiratory illnesses, especially for certain populations including older and high-risk adults. One study found that during the respiratory illness season, RSV infections are involved in 11 percent of hospitalizations for those with COPD, and 7 percent for those with asthma.
“When you’re already experiencing frailty, COPD, or other health conditions, any viral infection can become a tipping point in your health,” said Dr. Joshua Wald, a St. Joe's respirologist and researcher at the FIRH. “Complications from a viral infection can lead to long stays in hospital and often results in long term consequences such as needing to move to a long-term care facility.”
Respiratory illnesses such as RSV can affect a variety of different organs, including the brain. Researchers have found that serious respiratory infections can accelerate cognitive decline and dementia in mid- to late-life adults, even in those without any pre-existing conditions. St. Joe’s scientists are leading investigations into the mechanisms that cause this decline.
Currently, there is no treatment available for adults with severe RSV infection; only ways to potentially manage the virus and its complications. As such, it’s very important for high-risk and older adults to receive an RSV vaccine to prevent severe infection.
RSV Vaccine Eligibility for Older and High-Risk Adults in Ontario
On July 12, Health Canada authorized the use of two vaccines for protection against RSV in adults aged 60 and older. These vaccines are Arexvy (made by GlaxoSmithKline) and Abrysvo (made by Pfizer).
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all adults 75 and older – especially those at a higher risk for RSV – receive an RSV vaccine. NACI also strongly recommends that adults 60 and older who are living in nursing homes and other chronic care facilities get vaccinated against RSV.
Some high-risk older adults, including those with COPD, are eligible to receive a free RSV vaccine through the provincial vaccine program, but those aged 60 and up who do not qualify for the publicly funded program can still receive a prescription from a family doctor or other healthcare provider and have the vaccine administered at their pharmacy.
Although it isn’t covered by the public plan, most private drug plans do cover the RSV vaccines.
When Should Older and High-Risk Adults Get Vaccinated?
Like the common cold and flu, rates of RSV peak during respiratory illness season, which typically happens from November to April each year. While eligible adults can receive an RSV vaccine at any time, the CDC recommends getting yours ahead of respiratory illness season.
“October is the time to start thinking about [vaccination],” said Dr. Dawn Bowdish, immunologist and Executive Director of the FIRH, to CBC Radio. “The RSV season tends to really start ramping up at that time.”
The holiday season typically comes with high rates of RSV as well. RSV is highly contagious, and it’s very common for children to pass the virus on to older family members during this time. Researchers believe this is a major reason why older adults are most frequently hospitalized in January each year.
If an older adult requires hospitalization for RSV during this time when hospitals are at higher capacity, it’s likely to take a longer amount of time to receive proper care and symptom management. Receiving an RSV vaccine sooner rather than later will help prevent older adults from needing to be hospitalized; this will also help reduce the burden placed on the hospital system during this time.
How Long Does the RSV Vaccine Last?
Unlike the flu shot, you don’t need to get the RSV vaccine each year to be protected.
“For older adults, the nice thing about the RSV vaccine is that it’s a little bit longer lasting than a flu shot, so they likely only have to get it once every few years,” explained Dr. Bowdish. “The jury’s still out on how often that will have to be, but certainly not more than once every few years.”
Resources
Learn more about your eligibility for the publicly-funded RSV vaccine program on the Government of Ontario website.
Learn more about the Canadian Immunization Guide for RSV on the Government of Canada website.
Learn more about NACI’s RSV prevention guidelines on the Government of Canada website.
Learn more about the difference between RSV, COVID-19, and the flu on the NB Lung website.
Listen to Dr. Bowdish’s interview about vaccinations on the CBC Radio website.