CDC Advises RSV Vaccines for Older Adults

Recently, a group of experts advising the U.S. CDC has updated its guidance on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults. The panel suggests that individuals aged 75 and above, as well as those between 60 and 74 with specific medical conditions, should receive RSV vaccines to lower the risk of severe RSV disease. However, the recommendation does not extend to adults under 60 years old.

Last year, pharmaceutical companies GSK and Pfizer introduced RSV vaccines for adults aged 60 and older. Moderna also received FDA approval for its vaccine, mRESVIA, for this age group. While GSK's vaccine was approved for adults aged 50 to 59 at higher risk from RSV, the committee hesitated to endorse its use in this age group due to uncertainties about the risk-benefit balance.

RSV, a virus that often manifests as cold-like symptoms, is a significant cause of pneumonia in young children and older adults. In the United States, it results in approximately 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths annually.

It is crucial for older adults, especially those over 60, to consider getting vaccinated against RSV to protect themselves from severe illness. By following expert recommendations and staying informed about vaccine options, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their health and well-being.