The fall immunization season introduces the availability of two new publicly funded vaccines. Prevnar 20™ (for pneumococcus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo™ have been categorized as Schedule II drugs.
Prevnar 20™ replaced an earlier pneumococcal vaccine that is no longer available. ACP reviewed the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) drug schedules on vaccines, reviewed the product information made available from Alberta Health, consulted with NAPRA, and researched whether the product would be available through public health programs in other jurisdictions. Based on the findings, ACP interpreted the schedules that Prevnar 20™ should be placed in Schedule II, which has been supported by Alberta Health. Prevnar 20™ has been included in the provincially funded Alberta Immunization Program. For information about eligibility criteria, vaccine spacing, and populations at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease, refer to this Alberta Health background document.
Starting October 21, 2024, Abrysvo™ will be offered in Alberta through the provincially funded immunization program. In Canada, most provinces will be offering RSV as part of their publicly funded immunization program; as such, Alberta Health worked with ACP to remove barriers to access the vaccine. It has been categorized as a Schedule II drug in Alberta as a result. Further information on the vaccine may be found in this background document from Alberta Health.
