Updated CDC Recommendation for RSV Vaccination in Older Adults

On June 26, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory group updated its recommendation for the use of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in older adults. It now recommends that people ages 75 and older receive a single lifetime dose, and people ages 60 to 74 with certain underlying conditions—such as lung disease, cardiovascular disease, moderate or severe immune compromise, diabetes with end-organ damage, severe obesity, neurologic or neuromuscular conditions, advanced chronic kidney disease, liver disorders, and hematologic disorders—also receive a dose of the vaccine.

RSV is estimated to hospitalize 60 000 to 160 000 older adults each year. At the end of May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Moderna’s mRESVIA vaccine for older adults. In addition, it recently approved expanded use of GSK’s Arexvy for at-risk adults ages 50-59. However, the CDC postponed their recommendation for the use of Arexvy for adults in this age range due to lack of data and concerns about the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) following RSV vaccination.

As the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations are more limited, it is more likely that patients who are not in risk groups will need to pay out of pocket for the RSV vaccine, which could cost up to $400. However, for when health care providers believe their patients are at an increased of RSV complications, the ACIP has added an “other chronic medical conditions” category as part of the list of underlying conditions. 

Reference
Schnirring L. CDC panel revises RSV vaccine recommendations for adults. The University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy Research and Innovation Office. June 26, 2024. Accessed July 26, 2024. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/cdc-panel-revises-rsv-vaccine-recommendations-adults