Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination has been a topic of interest among researchers, especially in older adults. A recent study conducted from October 2023 to March 2024 indicated a promising outcome in terms of reducing the risk of hospitalization due to RSV among adults aged 60 and over. The findings of the study, led by Diya Surie, MD, from the CDC in Atlanta, showed a significant vaccine effectiveness of 75% against RSV-associated hospitalization in this age group.
The CDC has recommended a single dose of RSV vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older, as well as for those aged 60 to 74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease. This recommendation is based on the high efficacy of RSV vaccines demonstrated in prelicensure randomized trials. However, it is important to note that these trials were not powered to assess efficacy against RSV-associated hospitalization.
The study included 2,978 adults aged 60 and over, with 367 of them representing the case patients who were hospitalized due to acute respiratory illness. The rest of the participants acted as controls. Among the RSV cases with a known subtype, 73% were identified as RSV B. The study participants had a median age of 72 and a median Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 5, with 24.2% of them being immunocompromised.
Vaccine Protection and Limitations
The study findings provide evidence of vaccine protection against RSV-associated hospitalization, which is a significant concern among older adults in the United States. However, there are limitations to consider, such as disparities in vaccine uptake and low uptake in the first season of use. These limitations might influence the generalizability of the findings and could lead to residual confounding from unmeasured factors.
The recent study on the impact of RSV vaccination on hospitalization risk in older adults has shown promising results in terms of vaccine effectiveness. The findings support the CDC’s recommendation for RSV vaccination in older adults, especially those at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Further research and monitoring are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and potential side effects of RSV vaccines in this population.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the role of RSV vaccination in reducing the burden of RSV-associated hospitalization among older adults. Continued efforts in promoting vaccination and addressing barriers to vaccine uptake are essential in protecting this vulnerable population against severe respiratory illnesses like RSV.
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