After being told that the new respiratory syncytial virus vaccine would cost about $250, a disgruntled local elderly resident said, “I think this is fundamentally un-Canadian.” I can’t leave it alone,” he complained.
Walter Armstrong is a strong supporter of universal healthcare in Canada, so he was shocked to learn that a single dose of the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine could cost about $250. I received it.
“If you get this, it’s a death sentence,” the 73-year-old said of RSV, noting that he had tuberculosis as an infant and has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His left lung’s breathing capacity was only 60 percent, and his right lung’s capacity was only 80 percent.
According to Health Canada, RSV infection is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract illness, especially among infants, young children, and the elderly, and is responsible for an annual epidemic of respiratory illness that typically begins in late fall and continues into early spring. ing.
Health Canada approves GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Alexubi vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus However, in Ontario, only people aged 60 and older who live in long-term care facilities, senior care lodges and some retirement homes will pay for the vaccine.
People over 60 who are not eligible for publicly funded vaccinations may still be able to get vaccinated by talking to their health care provider, but they will likely have to pay out of pocket.
For Armstrong, that’s not an option.
“We don’t have that luxury this month, next month or next year,” he said.
Mr. Armstrong is a pensioner with an annual income of just $20,000 and is responsible for $12,000 a year in rent, an expense that everyone should cover, or at least be “means tested.” People with low incomes don’t think they need to pay rent. Burden.
The cost of hospitalizing someone with RSV will be much higher than the cost of providing a vaccine, he noted, recalling the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
During a visit to his GP in late September to renew his medication, Armstrong asked his doctor for help obtaining the vaccine and also contacted his local MP, Caroline Mulroney. He has also contacted the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion about giving a presentation, but has not yet received a response.
Mr. Armstrong wants to pressure the state government to change its approach, or pressure the federal government to step in and do something, regardless of which level of government agrees to help. Mr. Armstrong just wants the problem resolved.
“I think that’s inherently, obviously un-Canadian. We don’t leave the poor and the sick to die,” he said.
In stark contrast to the values that Armstrong feels were promoted by then-Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas in the ’50s, multinational pharmaceutical companies “have the backs of the poorest and most vulnerable.” He considers it “morally repugnant” to be allowed to profit from it. , widely considered the father of Medicare.
“We were the envy of the whole democratic English-speaking world,” said the Bradford resident.
Coincidentally, Mr. Armstrong said he came to Canada from England at the age of 12 in July 1962, the same year that Mr. Douglas’ successor, Woodrow Lloyd, launched universal health care in the province.
However, as Armstrong said, his mother served as a nurse during World War II, graduated from the Canadian College of Health and Care Technology, and worked as a respiratory technician at Toronto Western Hospital. The connection with you will never be broken. in her 80’s.
“I have a very strong commitment to the medical community,” he said.
For now, Armstrong is careful to wear a mask whenever possible and hopes to start a letter-writing campaign to persuade the government to cover the cost of RSV vaccines for all Canadians.
“I feel this is my moral obligation. I’m going to do what’s best for Canadians. This is the best country in the world and I’m lucky to be here,” he said. .
