Everything You Need to Know About RSV Vaccines Recommended for Infants, Seniors

Experts are concerned about the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this fall and winter along with other common respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.

During the fall last year, multiple hospital systems, including EvergreenHealth, reported seeing a rise in RSV cases, prompting many community members to inquire about RSV is and whether or not they are at risk.

This fall, our community has new tools to guard against RSV after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created guidelines recommending new vaccines for those most at-risk.

What are the new vaccines and therapies to prevent RSV?

There are two new vaccines being recommended by the CDC this year for individuals 60 years of age and up. There is also one new therapy for infants younger than 8 months old entering their first RSV season.

For infants, a new monoclonal antibody (MAB) directed against RSV is expected to be available this fall under the brand name Beyfortus. This agent will help protect babies and young children from severe symptoms caused by RSV and joins Synagis, a previously available MAB directed against RSV. These MABs are limited to children under 2 years old who are at a higher-than-average risk of catching RSV. Certain conditions that make infants more at-risk for RSV include a weakened immune system, chronic lung or heart disease and neuromuscular conditions.

For older adults, two vaccines were approved by the FDA and recommended for use by the CDC. The two vaccines, which are available under the names Arexvy and Abrysvo, were developed by companies GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Pfizer. The CDC recommends one dose for anyone age 60 and up especially those with other medical problems such as diabetes, immunosuppression, or heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease.

Why prevent RSV in infants and older adults?

The monoclonal antibodies for infants and immunizations for older adults are key because of the serious risk RSV poses for those populations.

"Generally, RSV causes symptoms similar to a cold, including a runny nose, cough, low-grade fever and a sore throat," said Francis Riedo, MD, with EvergreenHealth Infectious Disease Care. "However, infants and older adults are more likely to develop more severe symptoms that require medical intervention."

The CDC says RSV symptoms in older adults and infants can involve:

• Irritability
• Decreased activity
• Lack of eating and drinking
• Apnea, or pauses in breathing
• Difficulty breathing and/or wheezing

If you or a loved one experience difficulty breathing, are not drinking enough fluids or your symptoms are worsening, you should contact your care provider.

In addition to the new vaccines, the CDC recommends everyone take steps to limit the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses. These steps include:

• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a mask during the flu season, especially in health care settings
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Stay in well-ventilated areas

Additionally, you should stay home if you are ill and avoid contact with others. RSV season typically begins in the fall and lasts about 5 months, peaking normally in the winter.

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