Breaking News: Canada Prioritizes Senior Health with Public Funding for GSK’s RSV Vaccine, Arexvy
Mississauga, ON – September 9, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster public health and protect its aging population, Canada will provide public funding for GSK’s Arexvy vaccine, offering widespread protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for at-risk adults. This breaking news comes on the heels of updated recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), signaling a proactive approach to managing the growing threat of RSV, particularly as colder months approach.
What You Need to Know About the RSV Vaccine Rollout
GSK announced today that Arexvy (a recombinant RSV vaccine with AS01E adjuvant) will be included in provincial immunization programs, making it accessible to eligible Canadian adults. NACI now recommends RSV vaccination for all individuals aged 75 and over, as well as those 60 and older residing in long-term care facilities. Adults aged 50-74 are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider.
“The Canadian population is aging, and it’s absolutely critical that older adults have quick and equitable access to vaccines that will help shield them from serious respiratory illnesses like RSV,” stated Anthony Quinn, President of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP). “With fall and winter just around the corner – and the increased risk of respiratory virus infections – RSV vaccination can significantly reduce hospitalizations and safeguard the health and independence of seniors across the country.”
Understanding the Rising Threat of RSV in Adults
RSV isn’t just a childhood illness. It’s a common, contagious virus that can cause severe lung and airway infections in adults, especially those with underlying health conditions like COPD, asthma, or chronic heart failure. In Canada, over 23,000 adults are hospitalized annually due to RSV infections, and tragically, approximately 1 in 9 hospitalized patients don’t survive. An RSV infection can be a turning point, leading to long-term health consequences.
Arexvy is the first RSV vaccine approved in Canada specifically for older adults. It utilizes a stabilized prefusion F glycoprotein antigen combined with GSK’s proprietary AS01E adjuvant, designed to enhance the immune response. This innovative approach offers a new layer of defense against a virus that has historically lacked effective preventative measures.
Beyond Public Programs: Accessing Arexvy
While public programs will prioritize those most at risk, adults aged 50 and over who don’t qualify for publicly funded vaccination may be able to access Arexvy through pharmacies across Canada, typically with a prescription from their primary care physician. This broader availability ensures that more Canadians have the opportunity to protect themselves against RSV.
Alison Pozzobon, Vice-President of Communications, Government Affairs and Market Access at GSK, emphasized the company’s commitment: “We are proud that Arexvy is being included in publicly funded immunization programs. This will expand access to a vital vaccine for older Canadians who are at increased risk of severe RSV-related disease. As more provinces prioritize RSV prevention, GSK intends to collaborate with public health partners across the country to further expand access to Arexvy and help ensure vulnerable Canadians are protected from the virus and its complications.”
Resources: For complete information on the safety and administration of Arexvy, please consult the product monograph available on the GSK Canada website. You can also find more information about RSV in older adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This expanded access to the Arexvy vaccine represents a crucial step forward in protecting Canada’s aging population from the serious health risks posed by RSV. As we head into the respiratory virus season, proactive vaccination remains one of the most effective tools available to safeguard health and well-being.
