P.E.I. reports decline in RSV hospitalizations after expanded vaccine access

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer says RSV hospital admissions fell from over 100 two years ago to 28 this season after the province expanded free vaccine access to older seniors and eligible infants.

P.E.I. reported a large drop in hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus this season after expanding free vaccine access, the province's chief public health officer said. Free RSV vaccines were previously available to people aged 60 and older living in long-term or community-care homes. Starting in September, free vaccines were expanded to seniors aged 75 and older and to infants eligible for an antibody product. Dr. Heather Morrison reported that admissions fell from over 100 two years ago to 28 this year. Key facts: - RSV admissions were reported as 28 this season, compared with over 100 two years ago, according to Dr. Heather Morrison. - Free RSV vaccination was expanded in September to include seniors 75 and older and eligible infants; earlier the program covered people aged 60+ in long-term or community-care homes. - About 100 hospitalizations due to influenza were reported this season, and COVID-19 hospitalizations were also reported as down. - Morrison noted that two-thirds of people hospitalized with the flu were reported as unvaccinated. - More than 36,000 Islanders received COVID-19 vaccines and over 45,000 received influenza vaccines this season, similar to the previous year. - Outbreaks in long-term care and community-care facilities were reported as fewer than in prior seasons. Summary: The expanded RSV program is reported to be associated with a large reduction in RSV admissions this season and with fewer facility outbreaks. Officials also reported declines in COVID-19 hospitalizations while influenza hospitalizations numbered about 100. Planning for next season is already under way, and the province said it must place vaccine orders now.