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Co-Administering RSV and Influenza Vaccines Could Provide Tolerable Immune Responses
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RSV and influenza vaccines demonstrated hemagglutination inhibition titers that were noninferior to those with sequential administration.
New study findings suggest that administering the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein immunization (RSVPreF3 [Arexvy; GSK]) at the same time as the adjuvanted seasonal quadrivalent influenza immunization encouraged tolerable immune response and safety among older individuals.1
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According to the CDC, influenza can cause mild to severe illness that could sometimes result in death. Symptoms could occur suddenly, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting. Individuals infected often recover in a few days to less than 2 weeks, although some individuals could experience further complications.2
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms. However, more severe symptoms could occur in infants and older adults. It is estimated that around 60,000 to 120,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV every year and almost 6000 to 10,000 older individuals die from RSV associated complications annually.3
Influenza and RSV viruses both occur in regions with temperate climates and circulate mainly in the winter months. The vaccines are offered and recommended to receive in early fall to provide protection during their peak season.4
The study authors noted that the RSVPreF3 vaccine displayed efficacy against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease among individuals 60 years and older. Additionally, a high-dose adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine also displayed effectiveness among older adults, compared to standard vaccines.4
The researchers conducted a phase 3 randomized, open-label trial in 37 centers in Belgium, Finland, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom to assess if a co-administered influenza and RSV vaccine in a single consultation could aid protection among older adults for both infections. The study included adults aged 65 years and older who were immunocompromised and received an influenza vaccine at least 6 months prior and did not yet receive an RSV vaccine.4
A total of 1045 individuals were then randomly assigned to receive RSVPreF3 OA and FLU-aQIV on day 1 or FLU-aQIV on day 1 and RSVPreF3 on day 31. The study authors noted that the primary end points were to display non-inferiority of the immune responses to FLU-aQIV and RSVPReF3 OA when co-administered, compared to administered sequentially, in relations of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for each FLU-aQIV vaccine strain and in terms of RSV-A and RSV-B neutralization titers, 1-month post-vaccination.4
The results displayed that at 1 month post vaccination, the RSV and influenza vaccines demonstrated HI titers that were noninferior to those with sequential administration for 3 out of the 3 influenza strains, along with noninferior neutralization titers for the RSV-A and RSV-B subgroups, according to study authors.1,4
“Given the seasonal overlap of these 2 infections, the ability to give both vaccines during a single doctor's visit may improve convenience and increase uptake of both vaccines, ultimately reducing the high burden of both influenza and RSV disease among older adults,” said study authors, in a news release.4
The co-administered vaccines displayed a tolerable and acceptable safety profile, as the reported adverse events did not increase in severity despite having more frequent events, compared to the separately administered group.4
The findings suggest that adjuvanted FLU-aQIV and RSVPreF3 OA vaccines could be administered jointly among adults 65 years and older without clinically relevant interference with the immune response, according to study authors.4
References
1. Giving RSV and Flu Vaccines Together Led to Adequate Immune Responses. Med Page Today. News release. August 7, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/vaccines/111410?xid=nl_mpt_morningbreak2024-08-08&mh=6d2b5f4f91352444bdf817a9c17750bc&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MorningBreak_080824&utm_term=NL_Gen_Int_Daily_News_Update_active.
2. Flu Symptoms & Complications. CDC. News release. October 3, 2022. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm.
3. Kenny K. Protect Patients During Respiratory Virus Season. Pharmacy Times. News release. December 8, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/protect-patients-during-respiratory-virus-season.
4. Safety and Immunogenicity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine when Co-administered with Adjuvanted Seasonal Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults: A Phase 3 Randomized Trial. Clinical Infectious Diseases. News release. August 5, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciae365/7727260?login=false.
