New Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines
In recent years, the FDA has approved the first vaccines to protect older adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common virus that can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening, respiratory illness in infants and older adults. Previously, there was no specific vaccine for RSV in this age group, so the introduction of these shots represents a major advancement in preventive care.
How RSV Vaccines Work
RSV vaccines work by introducing a component of the RSV virus to the immune system, prompting it to produce antibodies and protective T-cells. This prepares the body to fight off a future infection more effectively, reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The available vaccines use slightly different technologies to achieve this:
- Arexvy (GSK): This is a recombinant vaccine, meaning it uses a lab-made version of a viral protein to trigger an immune response. It was approved in May 2023 for adults 60 and older.
- Abrysvo (Pfizer): Also approved in May 2023, Abrysvo is a recombinant vaccine approved for adults 60 and older, as well as for pregnant women to protect their newborns.
- mResvia (Moderna): Licensed in 2024, mResvia is an mRNA vaccine, similar to some COVID-19 vaccines, approved for adults 60 and older.
Recommendations for RSV Vaccination
As of 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an RSV vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older, and for adults aged 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Risk factors include chronic heart or lung conditions, weakened immune systems, and living in a nursing home. Unlike the annual flu shot, the RSV vaccine is not currently recommended annually; a single dose is expected to provide protection for at least two years.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for 2025-2026
COVID-19 vaccination continues to be a priority for older adults due to their heightened risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to target the SARS-CoV-2 strains currently in circulation, and older adults are among the first groups recommended to receive additional doses.
New Formulation and Recommendations
- 2025-2026 Formula: For the upcoming respiratory virus season, the updated COVID-19 vaccines from manufacturers like Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) will target the LP.8.1 SARS-CoV-2 sublineage. This formula is recommended for individuals 65 and older.
- Additional Doses: In October 2024, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a second 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine dose for adults 65 and older, six months after their first dose. This recommendation provides an extra layer of protection against waning immunity over time.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations
Strengthening protection against pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, is another key update for older adults. The CDC has recently updated its recommendations regarding pneumococcal vaccines, simplifying the process for many.
The New Approach to Pneumonia Protection
The 2025 immunization schedule includes recommendations for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) that have expanded the number of serotypes covered, leading to a new vaccination strategy for seniors.
- Updated Recommendation: The CDC now recommends that all adults aged 50 and older receive one dose of PCV20 or PCV21. If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later.
- Lowered Age: Notably, the CDC has lowered the age-based requirement for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50, reflecting a growing understanding of disease risk.
Additional Key Vaccinations for Seniors
Beyond the most recent developments, several other vaccinations remain essential for older adults. Following the full recommended schedule provides comprehensive protection against a range of serious illnesses.
Shingrix (Shingles) Vaccine
- Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, and its risk increases with age.
- The Shingrix vaccine is a two-dose series recommended for all healthy adults 50 and older, and for immunocompromised adults 18 and older.
- It is proven to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications, like postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain).
High-Dose Flu Vaccines
- Due to age-related changes in the immune system, people 65 and older are at higher risk for severe flu complications and may have a weaker response to standard flu vaccines.
- To address this, the CDC preferentially recommends specific higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines (like Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, and Flublok) for this age group, as they create a stronger immune response.
Table: Vaccine Comparison for Older Adults (2025-2026)
| Vaccine | Target Virus | Age Group | Doses | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arexvy, Abrysvo, mResvia | Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | Adults 60+ (risk-based) or 75+ (universal) | One dose (for now) | First-ever RSV vaccines for adults; highly effective against severe disease. |
| COVID-19 (2025-2026 Formula) | SARS-CoV-2 (LP.8.1 sublineage) | Adults 65+ | Multiple (varies by vaccination history) | Updated annually to match circulating strains; provides protection against waning immunity. |
| PCV20, PCV21 (Pneumococcal) | Pneumococcal bacteria | Adults 50+ | One dose (for most) | Protects against more serotypes than previous versions; updated schedule simplifies recommendations. |
| Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster) | Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | Adults 50+ | Two doses, 2-6 months apart | Over 90% effective; recommended for most older adults, including those who previously had shingles. |
| High-Dose Flu Vaccines | Influenza A and B | Adults 65+ | One dose (annually) | Formulated to provoke a stronger immune response in older adults than standard flu shots. |
Conclusion
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is one of the most effective ways for older adults to prevent serious illness. The introduction of new RSV vaccines and the updated recommendations for COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccines offer powerful new tools in the fight against infectious diseases. The best approach is always a personalized one, so individuals should consult with their healthcare provider to determine their specific needs and create a plan. The CDC remains the leading source for the latest vaccination guidelines, and its recommendations should be followed carefully. Remember that protection wanes, and viruses evolve, so maintaining communication with your doctor and staying aware of new and updated vaccines is a lifelong practice.
For more detailed information on specific vaccine recommendations, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
