Who Should Get the New RSV Vaccines?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory illness, especially among infants, young children, and older adults. Recent advancements have led to the development and approval of new RSV vaccines, which have generated considerable interest and some questions. Here’s what you need to know about who should get these vaccines and why they are important.
RSV Vaccines for Older Adults
RSV can be particularly severe in older adults, leading to serious respiratory infections and even death. The CDC reports that RSV causes about 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000 to 10,000 deaths annually in the U.S. among older adults. Two vaccines, Arexvy by GSK and Abrysvo by Pfizer, have been approved to protect this vulnerable population.
- Arexvy: This vaccine showed an 82.6% effectiveness against lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and a 94.1% effectiveness against severe disease in clinical trials.
- Abrysvo: Effective for two consecutive RSV seasons, providing 88.9% protection against LRTD in the first season and 78.6% in the second.
RSV Vaccines: Price and Manufacturers
| Vaccine | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Arexvy | GSK |
| Abrysvo | Pfizer |
Information sourced from 95health.com
The CDC recommends that adults aged 75 and older receive the vaccine. Adults aged 60 to 74 should consider it if they have chronic heart disease, weakened immune systems, or live in long-term care facilities.
RSV Vaccines: Price and Where to Buy
| Vaccine | Price & Where to Buy |
|---|---|
| Arexvy | $304.84 – $353.48 per dose Available at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and other major pharmacies |
| Abrysvo | Pricing not yet specified Available at major healthcare providers and pharmacies |
Information sourced from 95health.com and Drugs.com
RSV Vaccines for Pregnant People
Pregnant individuals can receive the RSV vaccine to protect their newborns. Administered between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy, the vaccine helps transfer protective antibodies to the fetus through the placenta. This method significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV infections in newborns by up to 91.1% within the first 90 days of life.
Safety and Side Effects
While the vaccines are largely safe, some rare side effects have been noted:
- Arexvy: Rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) have been reported.
- Abrysvo: Some studies indicated a slight increase in preterm births and preeclampsia among vaccinated individuals, though a direct causal relationship has not been established.
Recommendations
- Older Adults: All adults aged 75 and older should get vaccinated. Adults aged 60 to 74 should discuss with their doctors if they have risk factors.
- Pregnant People: Those expecting to give birth during RSV season should get the vaccine between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy.
Key Factors for New RSV Vaccines
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Older Adults | Adults 75+ should get vaccinated. Those aged 60-74 should consider vaccination if they have high risk factors such as chronic heart disease or weakened immune systems. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Vaccine recommended between weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to transfer protective antibodies to the fetus, reducing newborns’ risk of severe RSV infections. |
| Vaccine Effectiveness | Arexvy: 82.6% effective against LRTD, 94.1% against severe disease. Abrysvo: 88.9% effective in first season, 78.6% in second season. |
| Safety and Side Effects | Rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Slight increase in preterm births and preeclampsia among vaccinated pregnant individuals. |
Information sourced from 95health.com
This article is incredibly informative and timely! It’s great to see detailed information about who should consider getting the new RSV vaccines, especially with the rising concerns about respiratory illnesses. Understanding that older adults, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk can help people make informed decisions. Thanks for shedding light on this important topic!