Free Vaccination for All: A Path to Healthier Seniors in Canada

A call for universal free vaccinations in Canada has emerged, highlighting the potential benefits for the health care system and seniors’ well-being. Advocates argue that providing all Canadians with free access to vaccines could significantly reduce hospitalization costs and enhance public health.

The recent personal experience of a British Columbia resident sheds light on the financial burden of vaccinations. After receiving free flu and COVID-19 shots, they discovered that the vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) would cost approximately $300, while the shingles vaccine was priced around $160 per dose. Faced with these costs, many seniors may choose to forgo vaccinations, despite the potential health risks associated with RSV and shingles.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), health care spending in British Columbia averaged $9,673 per capita in 2024, with a disproportionate share allocated to seniors. In 2022, for instance, the province spent $14,042 per capita on individuals aged 65 and older. This demographic accounted for approximately 47 percent of hospitalizations, with seniors averaging 8.6 days in hospital, significantly longer than younger patients.

The financial implications of hospital stays are substantial. CIHI reports that the average cost of a typical hospital stay in B.C. was around $8,321 during the 2022-23 reporting period. With many seniors suffering from complications related to shingles and RSV at home, the call to provide free vaccinations is becoming more urgent.

The B.C. Office of the Seniors Advocate noted in 2023 that approximately 25 percent of all emergency visits were made by seniors. Many of these hospitalizations could potentially be prevented with increased vaccination rates. Research indicates that the lifetime risk of contracting shingles for individuals over age 50 escalates to one in two by age 85.

The “Shingles Matters: Driving Provincial Policy in Canada” report estimates that about 130,000 Canadians contract shingles yearly, with B.C. accounting for between 13,000 and 15,000 cases. Out of these, roughly 150 to 200 patients are hospitalized annually, and the number may rise to around 1,000 when secondary infections are considered.

Similar concerns arise for RSV, which leads to 900 to 1,200 hospitalizations in B.C. each year among seniors. The estimated cost for hospital treatment of such cases averages around $5,000 for a five- to six-day stay. Notably, between 10 and 16 percent of RSV cases necessitate intensive care treatment, which can escalate costs to $20,000 per patient.

Vaccination efficacy is well-documented. A recent study found that the RSV vaccine, Arexvy, demonstrated an efficacy of 82.6 percent in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease, while the Shingrix vaccine boasts a 90 percent efficacy rate against shingles. Yet, vaccination uptake among B.C. seniors remains low, with only 12 to 15 percent vaccinated against RSV. In Ontario, where the Shingrix vaccine is publicly funded, uptake rates range from 47 to 57 percent.

The argument for free vaccinations has gained traction. A November editorial in the respected medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases emphasized adult vaccination as a crucial tool for improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The editorial pointed out that investing in adult vaccinations could ultimately alleviate the financial burden on health systems by reducing the incidence of diseases that lead to hospitalizations.

The potential benefits of universal free vaccinations extend beyond individual health. By improving vaccination rates among seniors, the demand for emergency care and hospitalization could decrease, allowing for a more efficient health care system.

In conclusion, providing free vaccinations for all Canadians could significantly enhance public health, particularly among older adults. As the health care system grapples with rising costs, the idea of universal vaccination stands out as a practical approach to ensuring healthier lives for all citizens. With the right policies in place, Canadians could enjoy the benefits of better health and reduced hospital visits, reinforcing the notion that public health initiatives should be a fundamental aspect of a civilized society.