Current Report Articles
CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine for Older Adults
CDC (July 7, 2023) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Director Rochelle Walensky has endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for use of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccines from GSK (Arexvy) and Pfizer (Abrysvo) for people ages 60 years and older based on discussions with their health care provider about whether the single-dose RSV vaccination is appropriate. Adults at the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The CDC estimates every year, RSV causes approximately 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths among older adults. The two new RSV vaccines, the first ones licensed in the U.S. to protect against RSV – are expected to be available this fall. Health care providers are encouraged to talk to their adult patients about the vaccines to help prevent respiratory infections.
--Karen Braman