Canadian Advocates Push for Universal Free Vaccinations

The ongoing debate over healthcare costs in Canada has taken a new turn, with advocates calling for all vaccines to be provided free of charge. This proposal aims to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare, particularly for seniors, by ensuring universal access to vaccinations. Recent discussions have highlighted the significant expenses associated with vaccines for conditions such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and shingles, which disproportionately affect older adults.

In British Columbia, the cost of vaccines can be prohibitive. For example, the RSV vaccination is priced at approximately $300, while the shingles vaccine, recommended for adults aged 50 and older, costs around $160 per dose. Many seniors face difficult choices when it comes to spending on these vaccines, especially when considering that older individuals are at a higher risk for complications associated with these diseases.

Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals that in 2024, British Columbia’s average healthcare spending was $9,673 per capita. This spending, however, is not evenly distributed. Infants under one year received an average of $16,583 per capita, while seniors aged 65 and older received about $14,042. The B.C. Office of the Seniors Advocate reported that seniors account for approximately 47 percent of hospitalizations, spending an average of 8.6 days in hospitals—significantly longer than younger patients.

The financial implications of hospital stays are substantial. A typical hospital admission in British Columbia during the 2022-23 period cost around $8,321. With the average stay lasting around six days, the costs can quickly escalate. Therefore, providing free vaccines could help prevent many hospitalizations, reducing overall healthcare expenditures.

Shingles and RSV are two diseases that contribute to hospitalizations among seniors, with estimates suggesting that 130,000 Canadians contract shingles annually, and 900 to 1,200 hospitalizations occur each year in B.C. due to RSV. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the vaccine for RSV, known as Arexvy, has been found to be 82.6 percent effective against lower respiratory tract disease, while the Shingrix vaccine has a reported efficacy of 90 percent. Despite these benefits, vaccination rates among B.C. seniors remain low, with only 12 to 15 percent vaccinated against RSV.

Advocates argue that higher vaccination rates could significantly enhance the health of seniors while reducing the demand for primary care and emergency services. The editorial in the November 2023 issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases emphasizes the need for a shift in focus toward adult vaccinations, which have historically been overlooked. The editorial suggests that increasing adult vaccination rates can contribute to healthier aging and lower healthcare costs.

The financial strategy of charging seniors for certain vaccines may ultimately prove counterproductive. While it may save money in the short term, the long-term costs associated with hospitalizations and emergency care could far exceed these savings. By making all vaccines free and accessible, Canada could foster healthier populations and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.

In conclusion, the call for universal free vaccinations in Canada presents an opportunity to rethink the approach to public health. As society evolves, so too should the healthcare system, with a focus on prevention and accessibility. Making vaccines available at no cost could be a crucial step toward enhancing health outcomes for all, particularly for the aging population who stand to benefit the most.