CDC Recommends Consultation with Doctors for Older Americans Seeking RSV Vaccine in Fall

On Thursday, U.S. health officials recommended that Americans aged 60 and older, who are interested in obtaining a new RSV vaccine, should first consult with their doctors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the newly approved vaccines are expected to be available in the fall, coinciding with the availability of flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC emphasized the importance of discussing the RSV vaccine with healthcare professionals to determine its suitability for individuals.

According to the CDC, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, and those residing in long-term care facilities are at higher risk of contracting the respiratory infection caused by RSV.

In other news, potential advancements in medical treatment have been reported. A daily pill may prove as effective as Wegovy shots in treating obesity, potentially eliminating the need for injections. Additionally, the development of a cancer vaccine holds promise for the future of cancer treatment. However, concerns have arisen regarding the inclusion of animal sedative xylazine in fentanyl, as it has been causing injuries and hindering efforts to combat overdoses. Furthermore, FDA advisors have endorsed the updating of COVID-19 vaccines to target the latest omicron strain.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, commonly results in cold-like symptoms but poses a significant risk to infants and the elderly. Hospitals experienced an influx of wheezing children during a surge in cases last year. While there is currently no vaccine available for children, a vaccine for pregnant women to prevent illness in infants may be on the horizon pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the outgoing CDC director, approved the recommendation for a single dose of Pfizer and GSK vaccines for adults aged 60 and older, following the endorsement made by an advisory panel of external experts last week. The FDA granted approval for these shots last month.

Initially, the CDC panel considered a stronger recommendation for all individuals aged 65 and older to receive the vaccine. However, they revised their endorsement due to concerns raised by some members regarding its efficacy in the most vulnerable patients, the potential need for boosters and their effectiveness, as well as the cost.

During the panel discussion, GSK, the pharmaceutical company, stated that its RSV vaccine would cost between $200 and $295, while Pfizer has not disclosed its price. The durability of the vaccines across multiple seasons and the necessity for boosters are still under evaluation.

Some individuals advocated for a more forceful endorsement for those aged 65 and older. They argued that asking individuals to consult their doctors acts as a barrier to higher vaccination rates and adds an additional burden on healthcare providers. Robert Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, expressed these concerns on Thursday.

The Big Big News Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. All content is the sole responsibility of the AP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RSV vaccine

More about RSV vaccine

• CDC: RSV Prevention
• CDC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• CDC: Vaccines for Adults
• FDA: Vaccines, Blood & Biologics
• AP News: Older Americans can get RSV vaccine this fall after consulting their doctor, CDC says