How to access the new RSV vaccine, and how much will it cost? Your questions answered

It's that time of year, respiratory illnesses are going around — including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Typically, mild RSV symptoms can include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever and a decrease in appetite and energy. For most people, it appears like a common cold.

However, older people and infants may be at greater risk of developing more severe outcomes from RSV, like a severe infection of the lower respiratory tract, which could lead to hospitalization.

This year, for the first time, a vaccine is available to help protect older adults against the virus. Health Canada approved Arexvy in August for adults aged 60 and over. There is no approved vaccine for children or younger adults. In a clinical trial published earlier this year, Arexvy showed nearly 83 per cent efficacy in preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. It also showed a 94 per cent efficacy in preventing severe RSV-associated illness, according to the FDA's analysis of data.

Many of you wrote to us or left comments asking questions about where you can get the shot and how much it costs. Here's what we know.

Will my province or territory cover the cost? It depends where you live.

Ontario is currently the only province that is publicly funding the RSV vaccine to some people over 60. That includes people living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and some retirement homes licensed to provide dementia care services in the province.

Many provincial and territorial health authorities say they are waiting for guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) before deciding whether or not to include Arexvy in any publicly funded programs. NACI analyzes available evidence and provides guidance on who vaccines should be offered to, and how.

Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, New Brunswick, N.L., Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Saskatchewan and Yukon noted the vaccine would be available for purchase out-of-pocket in pharmacies or may be covered by private health insurance.

Other details may vary by province. For example, in Nova Scotia you will need a prescription to access the vaccine. New Brunswick said individuals will have to pay for both the vaccine and having it administered. B.C. told CBC News about their searchable database for pharmacies that will offer the shot.

There is no publicly available guidance for N.W.T. and Nunavut and they have not responded to our request by the time of publication.

What's it going to cost me? If you do have to pay out-of-pocket, provinces and territories told CBC News the vaccine will cost you in the range of $200 to $350, depending on where you live.

Why are some vaccines covered, but others aren't? It boils down to what the provincial and territorial health authorities decide to put on their drug plans for their province or territory.

Without guidance from NACI, those health authorities have been reluctant to include Arexvy for this season. It may be covered in the future, but that will depend on each province or territory and how they implement NACI's guidance.

In an earlier email to CBC News, Health Canada said guidance from NACI on the use of the vaccine is expected next year.

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