ACIP Votes to Expand RSV Vaccine Recommendation to Include Adults 50 Years and Older
Currently, the recommendation is for patients 75 years and older and those aged 60 to 74 years with an increased risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to expand the recommended use of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine currently approved for adults aged 50 to 59 years who are at an increased risk of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). This recommendation includes the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (Abrysvo), which was approved by the FDA in October 2024.1
Currently, the recommendation is for patients 75 years and older and those aged 60 to 74 years with an increased risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus. | Image Credit: Peter Hansen - stock.adobe.com
“With its vote to expand adult RSV vaccination recommendations, ACIP has taken an important step toward protecting individuals aged 50 to 59 who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe RSV illness,” Alejandro Cane, vice president of vaccines and antivirals and US medical lead at Pfizer, said in a news release.1 “We are proud that Abrysvo has the broadest indication among RSV vaccines, covering older adults, adults 18 and older at heightened risk of severe disease, and pregnant women to help protect infants.”
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can infect the nose, throat, and lungs and is often difficult to distinguish from other respiratory viruses, including the common cold, COVID-19, and influenza. Although RSV is particularly severe for infants younger than 6 months, older adults may also suffer from severe infection and may need hospitalization, according to the CDC. It can cause more severe illnesses, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and patients may need additional oxygen, intravenous fluids, and intubation with mechanical ventilation.2
The FDA approved 3 vaccines for older adults that protect against LRTD caused by RSV: Abrysvo, Arexvy, and mResvia. Abrysvo is approved for patients 60 years and older and patients aged 18 to 59 years who are at an increased risk of RSV disease to prevent LRTD. Arexvy is approved for patients 60 years and older and patients aged 50 to 59 years who are at an increased risk of RSV disease. Finally, mResvia was approved for patients 60 years and older to prevent LRTD.
Current recommendations include that all individuals 75 years and older and patients aged 60 to 74 years who are at an increased risk for severe RSV disease should receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine.3
Conditions that contribute to an increased risk of severe RSV include chronic cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung or respiratory disease, end-stage renal disease, diabetes with chronic kidney disease, neurological or neuromuscular conditions, chronic liver disease, chronic hematologic conditions, severe obesity, moderate to severe immune compromise, or living in a nursing home.4
For older adults, the most common adverse effects for Abrysvo include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. Arexvy and mResvia also included injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint pain.3
The updated recommendation aims to lower the recommended age from 60 years to 50 years for adults who are at high risk and awaits final approval from the director of the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services.1
READ MORE: Respiratory Disease Resource Center
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