On July 21, 2023, the CDC published an MMWR, Use of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines in Older Adults: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2023 | MMWR, regarding the use of the RSV vaccine for adults 60 years and older. This follows the June 21, 2023 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, which recommended that persons aged ≥60 years may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, using shared clinical decision-making.
RSV causes substantial morbidity and mortality in older adults. It is estimated that 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths occur annually due to RSV among adults aged ≥65 years.
Recommendations for Use of RSV Vaccines in Older Adults
- For RSV vaccination of adults aged ≥60 years, the decision to vaccinate a patient should be based on a discussion between the health care provider and the patient, which might be guided by the patient’s risk for disease and their characteristics, values, and preferences; the provider’s clinical discretion; and the characteristics of the vaccine. As part of this discussion, providers and patients should consider the patient’s risk for severe RSV-associated disease.
- Persons aged ≥60 years who are at highest risk for severe RSV disease and who might be most likely to benefit from vaccination include:
- Those with chronic medical conditions such as lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
- Cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease
- Moderate or severe immune compromise (either attributable to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatment)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions
- Kidney, liver, and hematologic disorders
- Persons who are frail, of advanced age, and/or residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Persons with other underlying conditions or factors that the provider determines might increase the risk for severe RSV-associated respiratory disease
3. RSV vaccination is approved and recommended for administration as a single dose.
4. Evidence does not exist at this time to determine the need for revaccination.
5. Optimally, vaccination should occur before the onset of the RSV season; however, for the 2023–24 season, clinicians should offer RSV vaccination to adults aged ≥60 years using shared clinical decision making as early as vaccine supply becomes available.
6. Coadministration of RSV vaccines with other adult vaccines during the same visit is acceptable.
7. GSK and Pfizer have manufactured the RSV vaccine for adults and will be available in Fall 2023.
Source:
Use of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines in Older Adults: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2023 | MMWR
The Bureau of Immunization Services (BIZS) has clinical staff available to assist with your immunization questions. Contact the following individuals (or your county health department) for assistance:
Kate Whitman, MSE, BSN, Kathleen.Whitman@azdhs.gov, 480-259-5342
Sharon Sweeney, MPH, BSN, Sharon.Sweeney@azdhs.gov, 480-261-5557
