In a recent study led by Dr. Diya Surie from the CDC in Atlanta, the effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination among older adults was evaluated. The study, published in JAMA, found that RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 and over during the period from October 2023 to March 2024 was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization due to RSV.
The research indicated that the vaccine’s effectiveness against RSV-associated hospitalization reached 75% in adults aged 60 and over, with similar results found across different age groups. The CDC currently 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 for severe RSV disease. The agency’s recommendation was based on the high efficacy of RSV vaccines demonstrated in prelicensure trials.
While the findings of the study are promising, there are certain limitations and concerns that need to be addressed. The prelicensure trials, on which the current recommendations are based, were not adequately powered to assess the efficacy of the vaccine against RSV-associated hospitalization. Additionally, the exclusion of certain high-risk groups, such as immunocompromised patients and those aged 75 and older, from the trials raises questions about the generalizability of the results.
The current study expands upon the prelicensure trial data by providing evidence of vaccine protection against RSV-associated hospitalization in older adults. This is particularly significant given that a significant number of hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older are attributed to RSV. The findings also highlight the importance of including high-risk populations in future vaccine efficacy studies to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine in vulnerable groups.
One of the limitations of the study is the disparity in vaccine uptake, with a low uptake observed in the first season of use. This could potentially influence the generalizability of the results. Additionally, there is a possibility of residual confounding from unmeasured factors that could impact the study outcomes. Moving forward, it will be important to address these limitations and conduct further research to assess the long-term effectiveness of RSV vaccination among older adults.
While the study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of RSV vaccination among older adults, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Addressing the limitations of the study and conducting additional research will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of RSV vaccination in this population.
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