Pulmonologists advocate for reimbursement of RSV vaccination for vulnerable elderly people, whereas the cost of the jab is currently at the patient’s own expense.
While respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is frequently associated with pediatric illness, it also threatens seniors and patients with chronic lung conditions, according to TPO.NL. Pulmonologist Chantal Kroesse of the Ikazia Hospital in Rotterdam reported that her facility observed a decline in RSV-related admissions after implementing a targeted vaccination strategy for high-risk patients. Data from the hospital showed admissions dropped from 95 in 2025 to 34 following the initiative, Kroesse told TPO.NL.
Registered Vaccines Cost Patients 200 Euros per Dose
Three vaccines—Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA—are currently registered for use in Europe to train the immune system against RSV. While the Health Council of the Netherlands advised in March 2025 that individuals aged 75 and older, along with specific high-risk groups between 60 and 75, should be vaccinated, a national program has not yet been established.
Patients seeking protection currently must pay approximately 200 euros per dose out-of-pocket, excluding administration fees, as the vaccine is not yet included in the national reimbursement system, Radar reported. The minister of Health, Welfare and Sport said that she understands the medical community’s call for reimbursement but must await an independent assessment from the National Health Care Institute (Zorginstituut Nederland) regarding cost-effectiveness, as reported by Radar.
Clinical Impact on Risk Groups
Susanne Huijts, representing the infection disease section of the pulmonologists’ association NVALT, said that the vaccines are highly effective, citing American data suggesting they prevent over 80 percent of hospitalizations, according to TPO.NL.
The Path Toward Reimbursement
The National Health Care Institute is currently evaluating the three available vaccines and is expected to issue a new recommendation in early 2027. This timeline remains a point of contention for physicians who argue that the cost of a single hospitalization, which can reach thousands of euros, far exceeds the 200-euro price tag of the vaccine, TPO.NL reported.
Meanwhile, the current RSV season has seen relatively low activity, with RIVM reporting on November 4 that few people were infected, according to TPO.NL.
The Institute Assesses Vaccine Reimbursement and Protection Duration
The National Health Care Institute previously advised against the reimbursement of the vaccine Arexvy, citing a lack of demonstrated added value for high-risk groups at that time. The institute is currently conducting a fresh assessment of all three available vaccines to determine if they meet the criteria for the national drug reimbursement system.
According to RIVM data cited by TPO.NL, the protection provided by the vaccine lasts for two to three seasons. However, the level of protection is observed to decrease during the second season.
In Germany, the vaccine has been reimbursed for those 75 and older and vulnerable 60-plussers since late 2024, and in England, the NHS provides the vaccine free of charge to those 75 and older and nursing home residents, TPO.NL reported.