ACIP Releases Updated RSV Recommendations
The ACIP recommendations are designed to improve access to RSV vaccination, emphasizing the need to get vaccinated.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted in favor of recommending routine use of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in all adults aged 75 years and older. Additionally, the committee also recommended that adults aged 60 to 74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease receive a vaccine. Study authors noted that these new recommendations replace the previous recommendation that included shared clinical decision-making in this age population.1
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RSV is estimated to cause around 177,000 hospitalizations among adults 65 years and older, as well as 42,000 among adults aged 50 to 64 years old each year in the US. Adults are considered to be at higher risk for RSV if they have comorbidities, are immune compromised, or are older age. Individuals with COPD, asthma, and chronic heart failure could also experience worsening symptoms if infected with RSV, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. Importantly, study authors noted that over 13 million US individuals aged 50 to 59 years are known to have one of these conditions that could impact RSV outcomes.1
In June of 2024, the FDA approved the use of GSK’s RSV vaccine, Arexvy, for individuals 50 to 59 years of age who are in this increased risk group.1 However, ACIP postponed a vote on a recommendation for individuals aged 50 to 59 who face an increased risk for RSV lower respiratory tract disease until further research is released.1
Following ACIP's recommendations, the CDC has emphasized the endorsement of a single dose of an RSV vaccine for all individuals 75 years and older, along with individuals 60 to 74 years of age who are at an increased risk for severe RSV. The study authors noted that the recommendation is for adults who did not receive an RSV last year. Additionally, they noted that the best time to get vaccinated is in early fall before the peak of RSV season.2
“The CDC has updated its RSV vaccination recommendation for older adults to prioritize those at highest risk for serious illness from RSV,” said Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, in a news release. “People 75 or older, or between 60 and 74 with certain chronic health conditions or living in a nursing home, should get 1 dose of the RSV vaccine to provide an extra layer of protection.”2
Previous recommendations were released by ACIP earlier this year that included updates for RSV, the Mpox vaccine, an updated version of COVID-19 vaccines, and a new MenACWY-MenB combination vaccine. Published in Annals of Internal Medicine and in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, researchers said all individuals aged 60 years and older should receive an RSV vaccine.3
ACIP made their recommendations based on data from the FDA and CDC that assessed the efficacy and immunogenicity of RSV vaccines, accounting for concerns like Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS).1 Earlier last month, the CDC and FDA announced that they are conducting population-based surveillance to evaluate the risks of GBS among individuals 60 years and older who received an RSV vaccine. The results were intended to aid guidelines and recommendation development for the ACIP.4
The study authors noted that following a CDC approval of ACIP's recommendations, the final recommendations will be published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.1
