Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is a serious respiratory infection that can have severe consequences, especially for older adults. Until recently, there was no vaccine available to protect against RSV. However, a groundbreaking multi-state study published in The Lancet has shown that RSV vaccines are highly effective in older adults, even those with compromised immune systems.
The study, conducted by researchers from the VISION Network, found that RSV vaccination provided approximately 80 percent protection against severe disease, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death due to respiratory infections in adults aged 60 and older. This level of protection was consistent across all age groups, with those aged 75 and older being at the highest risk of severe disease and hospitalization.
Unlike traditional clinical trials, which may not be able to measure the effectiveness of vaccines against severe diseases requiring hospitalization, this real-world data analysis used electronic medical records from diverse healthcare systems to assess the impact of RSV vaccines. The results were impressive, showing that the vaccines were more effective than other common vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine.
Dr. Shaun Grannis, study co-author and vice president for data and analytics at Regenstrief Institute, emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated for RSV as we enter each year’s respiratory disease season. RSV typically peaks from late September to early April in the U.S., causing significant illness and death among older adults.
Previous to the availability of RSV vaccines, thousands of older adults in the U.S. were hospitalized and died from RSV-related complications each year. With an estimated annual cost of RSV hospitalizations ranging from $1.2 to $5 billion, preventing up to 80 percent of these hospitalizations could lead to substantial savings for both consumers and the healthcare system.
The study involved collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various U.S. healthcare systems, all members of the VISION Network. Participating sites included hospitals and emergency departments from Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California.
In conclusion, the effectiveness of RSV vaccines in older adults, as demonstrated by this study, provides a compelling argument for widespread vaccination in this population. By following CDC guidelines and getting vaccinated for RSV, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death during the respiratory disease season. This is a crucial step in protecting the health and well-being of our aging population.
