Alberta expands publicly funded RSV protection for high-risk residents starting Oct. 1

Influenza immunization will be available free of charge to Albertans six months and older through community pharmacies, public health clinics and outreach services.

Beginning Oct. 1, publicly funded RSV immunization will be available to additional vulnerable adults aged 18 to 69 with certain serious medical conditions, including transplant recipients, people receiving dialysis and those requiring chronic oxygen therapy.

Alberta will also offer RSV monoclonal antibodies to all infants born in hospital from November through April, with families offered the protection shortly after birth and before leaving hospital.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Vivien Suttorp says the infant program is expected to reduce severe illness, emergency department visits and RSV-related hospitalizations.

“The expanded adult RSV program, as well as the infant program, provides protection for Albertans at risk of severe RSV disease,” Suttorp said.

COVID-19 immunization will be free for eligible Albertans 12 and older, including seniors, pregnant Albertans, people at increased risk of severe illness and those living in congregate settings.

Children six months to 11 years old can receive COVID-19 immunization through Primary Care Alberta public health clinics, with publicly funded immunization available to children at high risk due to an underlying medical condition.

Appointments can be booked online, by calling Health Link at 811, or by contacting a participating pharmacy directly.

The province says immunization can reduce serious illness and hospitalization while helping ease pressure on the health-care system during respiratory virus season.

by Jett Schwaier

Alberta expands publicly funded RSV protection for high-risk residents starting Oct. 1

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