CDC: New RSV vaccine recommended for adults over 60

By Brian Ward

Two new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines have been recommended by the CDC for use in older patients. The new RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are the first ones licensed in the U.S. to protect against RSV.

Patients aged 60 years and older may receive a single dose of the vaccine based on discussions with their healthcare providers, once the vaccines become available this fall. RSV causes around 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000 to 10,000 deaths in older adults annually. The virus is also a danger to adults with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, and those living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

“Adults who get infected with RSV usually have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms are usually consistent with an upper respiratory tract infection which can include rhinorrhea, pharyngitis, cough, headache, fatigue, and fever. Disease usually lasts less than five days. Some adults, however, may have more severe symptoms consistent with a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia,” the CDC says.