Unlocking Immunity: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Defense with the RSV Vaccine

Adults aged 60 and above can now receive a vaccine for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time.

It's important to note that two vaccines, Arexvy by GlaxoSmithKline and Abrysvo by Pfizer, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically for this age group. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also endorsed these vaccines after the FDA's approval.

Given that the RSV vaccine is now widely accessible, some older individuals may question its necessity. Is RSV a significant concern for adults, particularly older adults? Are the newly developed vaccines effective? How should its timing be coordinated with the Covid-19 and influenza vaccines? Furthermore, is there a comparable vaccine available for young children?

To address these inquiries, I reached out to Dr. Leana Wen, a medical expert in wellness affiliated with CNN. Dr. Wen holds expertise as an emergency physician and serves as a professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. In addition, she has previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner.

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CDC recommends first vaccine to protect infants from RSV

CNN: Is RSV a major cause for concern in adults?  

Dr. Leana Wen emphasizes that although RSV is commonly associated with children, it also poses significant risks to older adults. In the United States, approximately 159,000 adults aged 65 and above are hospitalized each year due to RSV, resulting in about 10,000 to 13,000 deaths annually. A recent analysis by the CDC reveals that from February 2022 to May 2023, although hospitalizations for RSV were fewer compared to Covid-19 or the flu among older adults, those affected by RSV experienced more severe outcomes, such as the requirement for intensive care and advanced respiratory support.

Similar to Covid-19 and other infections, individuals who are immunocompromised and have significant underlying medical conditions like heart, lung, and kidney ailments are more likely to experience adverse effects.

Currently, CDC data indicates that approximately 6 out of every 100,000 elderly individuals are being hospitalized for RSV. This rate is unusually elevated for this time of the year and is approximately ten times higher than in previous years, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The effectiveness of the new vaccines against RSV is questioned by CNN.

The studies conducted on the two new RSV vaccines have shown very promising results. Based on independent analysis by the government using company data, GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine has demonstrated 88% effectiveness against severe RSV infection, while Pfizer's vaccine has shown 85% effectiveness.

These results are excellent and highlight the primary reason for getting vaccinated, which is to decrease the chances of hospitalization and mortality. Considering the impact RSV has on vulnerable individuals, this level of protection is highly commendable and individuals at a higher risk of severe illness should consult their healthcare providers regarding receiving the vaccine.

During an appointment for a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial in Commack, N.Y. on Nov. 30, 2021, Ilana Diener lovingly holds her 3-year-old son, Hudson. Parents seeking to have their youngest children vaccinated against COVID-19 have received positive updates. Pfizer announced on Monday, May 23, 2022, that providing three doses of its vaccines gives substantial protection to those under 5 years old. This development follows Moderna's recent announcement that it intends to seek approval from regulators for its two-shot vaccination plan for young children.

Emma H. Tobin/AP

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CNN: Will the RSV shot provide protection throughout the winter, or will individuals require a subsequent dose?

Wen: The durability of the RSV shot is noteworthy. Current findings reveal that the Pfizer vaccine remains approximately 75% effective eight to 12 months following administration. Similarly, the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine maintains an effectiveness of over 50% even after 18 months.

A single RSV shot can potentially provide protection for more than one season. However, it is not essential to receive multiple shots within a single year.

I strongly advise against delaying the decision to receive the RSV vaccine. With the increasing prevalence of RSV infections, it is important to obtain immune protection before potential exposure. By getting the shot now, you will be protected throughout this season.

RSV poses a threat to older adults, but two new vaccines are effective against severe infection.

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CNN: How should people choose between the two RSV vaccines?

When should the RSV shot be scheduled in correlation with the Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations?

Wen: Individuals have the option to receive the RSV vaccine, which requires a single dose, alongside their other necessary shots. This means that someone can conveniently visit the pharmacy and receive all three vaccines for flu, RSV, and Covid-19 simultaneously. Alternatively, they can choose to receive these vaccinations separately. It is crucial to consider that the individuals who are most susceptible to the harmful effects of one virus are also highly vulnerable to the others. Therefore, these individuals would derive the greatest benefits from receiving all three vaccines.

Sick woman wiping her nose with tissue paper

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CNN: Can adults who are not yet 60 get the RSV vaccines?

Is there a vaccine available to safeguard young children as well?

There are two options available to protect babies and young children. The first option is a vaccine that is given to pregnant individuals. The second option is a preventive antibody, which can be administered to infants under 8 months old who are born during or entering their first RSV season. Children up to 19 months old entering their second RSV season may also receive this antibody if they meet certain criteria, such as having a chronic lung disease or being severely immunocompromised. Both the maternal vaccine and the preventive antibody have been approved by the FDA and endorsed by the CDC.

If you have any further questions about the RSV vaccine, it is important to consult with your physician or healthcare provider.

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