(HealthDay News) — For older adults, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination is effective against RSV hospitalization, according to a study published online Sept. 4 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Diya Surie, M.D., from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and colleagues examined RSV vaccine effectiveness (VE) against RSV-associated hospitalization among adults aged 60 years and older. Adults hospitalized with acute respiratory illness at one of 24 hospitals in 19 U.S. states participating in a surveillance network from Oct. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, were eligible for inclusion in the study. Data were analyzed for 367 RSV case patients and 2,611 control patients, all aged 60 years and older.
The researchers found that 72.9 percent of the RSV case patients with known RSV subtype were RSV B. Overall, nine case patients and 256 control patients were vaccinated (2.5 versus 9.8 percent), with a median of 84 days between vaccination and illness onset.
Vaccinated patients were more frequently older, White, and immunocompromised, were more likely to have outpatient visits in the past year, and were more likely to live in communities with a lower Social Vulnerability Index score compared with unvaccinated patients. VE against RSV hospitalization was 75 percent, with no difference seen when estimated with inverse probability of vaccination weighting or among adults aged 60 to 74 years or those aged 75 years and older (79, 75, and 76 percent, respectively).
“Among adults aged 60 years and older in 19 U.S. states, RSV vaccination was associated with a reduced likelihood of hospitalization with RSV compared with no vaccination,” the authors write. “This study provides initial data to inform ongoing risk-benefit analyses of RSV vaccines for older adults.”
One author disclosed ties to Syneos Health.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that affects the lungs and airways. While it’s often mild in most people, especially children, it can lead to severe illness in certain groups, including older adults, infants, and people with weakened immune systems.
RSV infection can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, RSV can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, or even death. For older adults, the risk of complications from RSV is particularly high. They may experience a decline in lung function, increased risk of hospitalization, and a higher mortality rate.
How does RSV affect Black seniors?
RSV is a particular concern for Black American seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black adults aged 65 and older are more likely to be hospitalized due to RSV compared to their white counterparts. This disparity is likely due to a combination of factors, including socioeconomic disparities, limited access to health care, and underlying health conditions.
How does the RSV vaccine work?
Fortunately, the recent development of RSV vaccines offers hope for protecting older adults from this serious illness. The RSV vaccines currently available are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, helping to prevent infection or reduce the severity of symptoms.
While the RSV vaccines have shown promising results in clinical trials, it’s important to note that they are not 100% effective. Some individuals may still develop RSV infection, even after vaccination. Additionally, the long-term effectiveness of the vaccines is still being studied.
To maximize the benefits of RSV vaccination, it’s important for older adults to get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available. The CDC recommends that all adults aged 60 and older receive the RSV vaccine. It’s also important to stay up-to-date on other recommended vaccinations, such as influenza and pneumonia vaccines, to help protect against respiratory infections.
In addition to vaccination, there are other steps that older adults can take to reduce their risk of RSV infection. These include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and getting regular exercise. It’s also important for older adults with underlying health conditions to manage their symptoms and follow their doctor’s recommendations.
By understanding the risks of RSV and taking proactive steps to protect themselves, Black American seniors can reduce their risk of severe illness and improve their overall health and well-being.
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