Respiratory syncytial virus and palivizumab prophylaxis in the COVID-19 era: CMAJ

ABSTRACT

Across Canada, both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been almost completely absent during the 2020/21 winter. Data from the Southern hemisphere showed the same phenomenon following the implementation of public health measures for coronavirus disease 2019. Despite the low incidence of RSV, programs across Canada have continued to promote the administration of palivizumab (PVZ) prophylaxis to eligible infants at a cost of about $1500 per dose. Canadian taxpayers are currently on track to spend nearly $50 million on a drug unlikely to have any benefit this winter. Here, the effectiveness of PVZ prophylaxis for infants is examined.