The CDC announced its updated recommendation for the use of RSV vaccines in individuals aged 60 years and older. For this upcoming respiratory virus season, the CDC recommended that all individuals aged 75 years and older and those aged 60 to 74 years who are at augmented risk of severe RSV due to the existence of certain chronic medical conditions and/or individuals living in nursing homes should receive the RSV vaccine.

The CDC specified that this updated recommendation is for adults who did not receive an RSV vaccine last year. It is important to note that the RSV vaccine is currently not an annual vaccine. Eligible adults can receive the RSV vaccine at any time, but the most effective time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV typically starts to spread in communities.

The CDC also noted that the updated recommendation for individuals aged 60 years and older replaces the recommendation made last year to simplify RSV vaccine decision-making for clinicians and the public. Moreover, immunizations were available last year for the first time to protect individuals at augmented risk for severe RSV.

The updated recommendation is based on analyses of RSV disease burden among people aged 60 years and older and RSV vaccine effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies, which included the first real-world data since RSV vaccines were recommended for people aged 60 years and older. Healthcare providers should recommend RSV vaccines to their eligible patients and also review and discuss their vaccine status to ascertain what other vaccines they may need this fall to help prevent other coexisting respiratory infections.

“The CDC has updated its RSV vaccination recommendation for older adults to prioritize those at highest risk for serious illness from RSV,” stated Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH. “People 75 or older, or between 60-74 with certain chronic health conditions or living in a nursing home should get one dose of the RSV vaccine to provide an extra layer of protection.”

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