RSV Vaccination Guidelines
Recommendations Based on Age and Risk Factors
- The American College of Pulmonology recommends RSV vaccination for all adults aged ≥60 years, regardless of previous infection history 1, 3
- For adults aged 50-59 years, vaccination is recommended if they have risk factors such as chronic respiratory disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, immunocompromised status, obesity, neurological conditions, or residence in a nursing home or long-term care facility 1, 3, 4
Scientific Rationale
- Natural RSV infection does not confer long-lasting immunity, with protective antibodies waning rapidly 2
- Reinfection with RSV throughout life is common, even in previously infected individuals 5
- RSV infection in older adults and those with comorbidities can lead to severe lower respiratory tract disease, hospitalization, and death 2
Available Vaccines and Efficacy
- Two RSV vaccines are currently available for adults: RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) and RSVpreF (Abrysvo) 6
- Vaccine efficacy against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease: RSVPreF3 has 82.6% efficacy in first season, with protection maintained for at least three seasons, and RSVpreF has 65.1% efficacy in first season, with protection maintained for at least two seasons 6, 1
Administration Guidelines
- A single intramuscular dose is recommended, preferably administered between September and November, before or early in the RSV season 6, 4
- The vaccine can be co-administered with seasonal influenza vaccine at different injection sites 4