The Impact of RSV Vaccination Among Older Adults

A recent test-negative, case-control study led by Diya Surie, MD, from the CDC in Atlanta, investigated the effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination among older adults aged 60 and over during the first season of use. The study revealed a promising finding – a substantial reduction in the risk of hospitalization due to RSV among vaccinated individuals.

The study results, published in JAMA, indicated that RSV vaccination was associated with a vaccine effectiveness of 75% (95% CI 50-87) against RSV-associated hospitalization from October 2023 to March 2024. This effectiveness remained consistent even after adjusting for potential confounders, with an estimated effectiveness of 79% (95% CI 56-90). The analysis also revealed a similar level of protection across different age groups, with effectiveness rates of 75% (95% CI 31-91) for adults aged 60 to 74 years, and 76% (95% CI 40-91) for individuals aged 75 and older.

Based on these positive findings, the CDC recommends 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 of severe RSV disease. It is worth noting that there are now three vaccines approved for older adults, providing more options for vaccination in this age group. The initial recommendation for RSV vaccination in older adults was made in 2023, following high efficacy demonstrated in prelicensure randomized trials.

Study Limitations and Areas for Further Research

While the study’s results are promising, the authors acknowledged certain limitations that may impact the generalizability of the findings. Disparities in vaccine uptake and low uptake in the first season of use could influence the results and there may be potential residual confounding from unmeasured factors. Further research is needed to address these limitations and to explore the long-term effectiveness and safety of RSV vaccination in older adults.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the impact of RSV vaccination among older adults, highlighting its potential to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to RSV. The findings support the CDC’s recommendation for RSV vaccination in this vulnerable population and suggest the need for continued research to optimize vaccination strategies and improve outcomes for older adults at risk of severe RSV disease.