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The findings suggest a positive impact of RSV vaccination on RSV-associated hospital admission, emphasizing the importance of protection in this population.
A mid-season analysis published by investigators in The Lancet reveals a significant impact of vaccination in reducing hospital admissions linked to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), underscoring the importance of RSV immunization for older adults.1
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RSV can cause severe outcomes for high-risk individuals, including those aged 75 years and older and those with chronic or underlying health conditions. Individuals infected with severe RSV typically present mild cold-like symptoms; however, in some cases hospitalization is needed. Additionally, RSV could worsen serious conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure, according to the CDC.2
Currently, the CDC recommends an RSV vaccine to all individuals aged 75 years and older and individuals aged 60 to 74 years that are at increased risk for severe RSV.2
In the 2023-2024 season in the US, a population-based study of healthy adults aged 60 years and older demonstrated 80% protection against RSV-related hospitalizations due to vaccination. Based on this type of evidence, the UK initially recommended RSV vaccination in England for individuals aged 75 years, with a catch-up to age 79, while awaiting more data on older individuals. Following, in September 2024, individuals residing in England aged 75 to 79 years were administered a single dose of Pfizer’s bivalent prefusion F Abrysvo vaccine, according to study authors.1
To assess the impact of vaccination on RSV-related hospitalization in older adults, researchers conducted a regression discontinuity design study, including patients aged 70 to 84 years with a positive RSV test between 14 days before and 2 days after hospital admission.1
When the vaccination period began, a total of 2,541,696 individuals aged 75 to 79 were eligible for the Abrysvo vaccine. By the study’s start on November 4, 2024, the overall vaccine coverage was 35.1%, with 830,260 doses administered. This coverage increased to 47.4% by the study’s conclusion on January 6, 2025, with 1,183,817 doses given. By the end of the study period, vaccine coverage ranged from 45.0% in individuals aged 75 years to 48.9% in individuals aged 79 years, according to study authors.1
The results demonstrated a drop in hospitalization rates that were linked to a 30% reduction (95% CI 18–40, p < .0001) observed in individuals aged 75 to 79 years that were eligible for RSV vaccination. At the midpoint of the study, vaccine coverage in the eligible population was approximately 41.8%. While not designed as an effectiveness study, the authors noted the observed 30% reduction in hospitalization aligns with an expected vaccine effectiveness of 72%.1
However, the observed 30% reduction in hospitalizations could be influenced by underlying health conditions; although, the study authors noted that because the vaccination program targeted individuals within the specific age range, differences in uptake across these risk factors are unlikely.1
The findings suggest a positive impact of RSV vaccination on RSV-associated hospital admission, emphasizing the importance of protection, especially among older adults.1
While future research will include end-of-season evaluations and adjusted test-negative case-control studies to refine estimates of real-world vaccine effectiveness in England, this interim assessment offers crucial evidence of RSV vaccine protection.1