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Should seniors get the RSV vaccine now? A comprehensive guide for older adults

3 min read

According to the CDC, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) leads to tens of thousands of hospitalizations and up to 10,000 deaths annually among adults 65 and older. With new vaccines available, many seniors are asking: Should seniors get the RSV vaccine now?

Quick Summary

Yes, for many seniors, an RSV vaccine is a critical preventative measure, especially if you are 75 or older or have underlying health conditions. Eligibility and timing depend on individual risk factors and previous vaccination status, making a discussion with a healthcare provider essential.

Key Points

  • CDC Recommendations: All adults aged 75 and older are recommended to receive the RSV vaccine, as are adults 50–74 with specific risk factors.

  • High-Risk Conditions: Risk factors include chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, certain other medical conditions, and living in a nursing home.

  • Vaccine Options: Several FDA-licensed vaccines are available, including Arexvy (GSK), Abrysvo (Pfizer), and mResvia (Moderna), all with high effectiveness against severe disease.

  • Effectiveness: Real-world studies have shown effectiveness rates exceeding 70% against RSV-associated hospitalizations in older adults.

  • Vaccination Timing: The best time to get the shot is in late summer or early fall (August–October) to ensure protection before the RSV season begins.

  • One-Time Shot (For Now): The current recommendation is for a single dose, as protection appears to last at least two seasons. Annual shots are not currently advised.

  • Safety: Common side effects are mild, and while a rare risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome has been noted with some vaccines, the benefits of preventing severe illness outweigh this risk.

  • Insurance Coverage: Medicare Part D and most private insurance plans cover the RSV vaccine, often with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.

In This Article

Understanding the Risk of RSV in Older Adults

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a significant risk to older adults with weakened immune systems. While it may cause mild symptoms in younger people, RSV can lead to severe lower respiratory tract illnesses like pneumonia or bronchiolitis in seniors, potentially resulting in hospitalization or death. The risk is particularly high for those with chronic heart or lung conditions.

Who Is Eligible for the RSV Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides recommendations for RSV vaccination based on age and health factors. The CDC advises a single dose of an FDA-licensed RSV vaccine for specific groups:

  • Adults aged 75 and older: Vaccination is strongly recommended for this age group due to their higher risk of severe RSV disease.
  • Adults aged 50–74 at increased risk: For this group, vaccination is decided in consultation with a healthcare provider based on individual risk factors. Conditions increasing the risk of severe RSV include chronic lung or heart disease, weakened immune systems, certain neurological conditions, severe obesity, and residing in a nursing home.

Timing Is Key: When to Get the Shot

The optimal time for eligible individuals to get the RSV vaccine is typically in late summer or early fall (August–October in most areas of the U.S.), ahead of the RSV season.

A single dose is currently recommended and is expected to provide protection for at least two RSV seasons. If you have received a dose in a previous season, another dose is not needed at this time, though CDC recommendations may be updated as more data becomes available.

The Available RSV Vaccines for Seniors

Several FDA-licensed RSV vaccines are available for adults.

RSV Vaccine Comparison for Adults

Vaccine (Manufacturer) Vaccine Platform Notable Details
Arexvy (GSK) Recombinant Protein Adjuvanted, available since 2023
Abrysvo (Pfizer) Recombinant Protein Bivalent, protects against RSV A and B
mResvia (Moderna) mRNA Uses mRNA technology, licensed in 2024

The CDC does not recommend one vaccine over another, as all three have shown high effectiveness in preventing severe illness. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccine for you.

Effectiveness and Safety Data

RSV vaccines have demonstrated high effectiveness in older adults. In the 2023–2024 season, Arexvy was approximately 83% effective against RSV-related hospitalizations in adults 60+, while Abrysvo was around 73%. Protection against severe disease has been shown to last for at least two seasons.

Common side effects are generally mild and temporary, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint pain. Rare neurologic events, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), were noted during clinical trials for some vaccines. However, the CDC and FDA assess that the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe RSV disease for recommended populations outweigh the potential, rare risk of GBS.

Co-administration with Other Vaccines

The RSV vaccine can be administered concurrently with other adult vaccines, such as those for flu and COVID-19. While this might increase the likelihood of common side effects like fever, it can also enhance convenience. Discuss co-administration with your healthcare provider based on your preferences.

Cost and Coverage

For most seniors, the RSV vaccine is covered. Medicare Part D covers all vaccines recommended by the ACIP, including the RSV vaccine, resulting in no typical out-of-pocket costs for individuals with Part D. Most private health insurance plans also provide coverage without cost-sharing. Assistance programs may be available for those without insurance.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the decision to get the RSV vaccine depends on your age and health profile. The CDC recommends it for all adults 75 and older and for those 50-74 with elevated risk of severe illness. The vaccines are highly effective against severe disease with manageable side effects. With the optimal vaccination period approaching, seniors should talk to their healthcare provider to determine eligibility and make an informed decision for their respiratory health this season.

For more detailed information, consult the official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for all adults 75 years and older. For adults 50-74, it is recommended if you have certain health conditions, like chronic lung or heart disease, that put you at increased risk for severe RSV.

No, currently the RSV vaccine is not an annual shot. A single dose is recommended and is believed to provide protection for at least two RSV seasons. The CDC will continue to evaluate data and may update this recommendation in the future.

The ideal time to get the RSV vaccine is in the late summer and early fall, specifically during August and October in most of the U.S., to provide protection before the RSV season begins.

Yes, the RSV vaccine can be co-administered with other adult vaccines during the same visit. However, getting multiple shots at once may increase the chance of common side effects like soreness or fatigue.

Common and typically mild side effects include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, along with fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain.

Yes, Medicare Part D and most private health insurance plans cover the cost of the RSV vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals. It is always wise to confirm with your specific provider.

Yes, there are three FDA-licensed RSV vaccines available for older adults: Arexvy (from GSK), Abrysvo (from Pfizer), and mResvia (from Moderna). Your healthcare provider can help determine the best choice for you.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.