Children living with chronic health conditions — such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and lung diseases like asthma — face a higher risk of serious complications from common infections like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease. While these illnesses can be mild for some, they can lead to a hospital stay, long-term health impacts, or even life-threatening outcomes for children with ongoing health conditions. Understanding these risks can help guide timely vaccination to help keep children protected against severe illness.
CVEEP held a discussion exploring the critical role of vaccines in keeping children most at risk healthy. Pediatric health and vaccine experts shared why children with chronic health conditions are at increased risk for severe outcomes, provided an overview of vaccine recommendations for children, and offered best practices for providers, parents, and caregivers to protect these vulnerable populations.
Panelists included:
Last year’s availability of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines marked a critical step in science and public health. Previously, no widespread prevention option existed to protect those at increased risk for RSV, including older adults, from this serious infectious respiratory disease. In the year since RSV vaccines were first introduced, real world evidence has shown that they are effective in preventing serious illness for individuals 60 years and older. However, despite the progress made towards RSV prevention, RSV vaccine uptake continues to remain low in older adults.
As we continue into peak respiratory season and beyond, CVEEP hosted an expert-led conversation on updated risk-based RSV vaccine guidance for older adults, the value of vaccination for adults at highest risk for severe RSV disease, and other important considerations to help promote vaccine uptake across communities.
Speakers included:
The discussion was moderated by Karyne Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, a convener of CVEEP.
