On June 21st, the vaccination advisory group for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommended that adults 65 and over should be routinely vaccinated against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is a virus that commonly causes respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It is especially serious in older adults, who often have weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, RSV can cause death.
The two notable RSV vaccines that were recommended are currently manufactured by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). These vaccines have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in older adults to prevent RSV infections.
Information presented by the group indicated that the RSV vaccines provided strong protection of more than 80 percent effectiveness at preventing RSV infection and could significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization for RSV in older adults. Both vaccines are administered in single doses, and the studies presented by the companies indicated that the vaccines could be safely administered alongside common seasonal vaccines – like the flu vaccine (flu shot.)
The recommendation for the use of the RSV vaccines by the vaccination advisory group, is a key step in making the shots available to the public - and ultimately preventing serious outbreaks of RSV in older adults and reducing hospitalizations.
### When Can the Public Expect Access to the RSV Vaccines?
In order for the vaccines to officially be made available to the public - the CDC director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, must recommend the vaccines before they can be distributed or administered. A formal recommendation from the CDC director is expected soon.
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