US Health Officials Recommend Stronger Endorsement for RSV Vaccinations in Older Adults

U.S. health officials recommend stronger RSV vaccinations for people 75 and older, with a narrower recommendation for those aged 60 to 74, based on risk factors and potential side effects.

After reviewing recommendations from a committee of outside advisers, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced updated guidelines for RSV vaccinations in the United States. These guidelines provide a stronger endorsement for RSV vaccinations for individuals 75 and older, while offering a narrower recommendation for those aged 60 to 74.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of cold-like symptoms, posing a particularly high risk to infants and the elderly. In response to this threat, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed single-dose RSV vaccines for older individuals from two companies, GSK and Pfizer, last year. However, concerns about possible side effects and the duration of protection initially led to cautious recommendations regarding widespread vaccination.

Revised Vaccination Guidelines

The recent guidelines from the CDC recommend that individuals aged 75 and older should receive the RSV vaccine, based on data demonstrating their higher risk for severe RSV cases. For those aged 60 to 74, the recommendation is limited to individuals who are at higher risk for severe disease. This could include individuals with chronic heart disease, advanced-stage kidney disease, chronic lung illnesses, severe obesity, or residents of nursing homes deemed frail for other reasons.

Despite the revised guidelines, concerns persist about potential side effects associated with RSV vaccinations. Reports of a nervous system disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome among RSV vaccine recipients, particularly those who received the Pfizer shot, have raised significant concerns. While the FDA has stated that there is no clear evidence linking the vaccinations to this disorder, ongoing research is being conducted to investigate any potential connections.

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