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.
As respiratory illness season is now underway, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals and the public to stay informed on the latest guidance regarding COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. The first featured a fireside chat featuring Dr. Peter Marks of the FDA, who shared key regulatory updates and highlighted the critical role of vaccines in preventing severe illness during respiratory season and beyond.
Following the fireside chat, a panel of experts analyzed the recent summer COVID-19 surge and outline what individuals need to know about receiving their updated vaccines. The panel also discussed the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of co-administering the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, while examining the current trends in vaccine uptake. By stressing the importance of timely vaccination, the panelists offered practical insights and strategies to ensure widespread protection this fall.
Panelists include:
Risk-based vaccine recommendations are an important mechanism by which public health authorities provide guidance, encourage vaccination, and reach vulnerable populations. That said, implementation of risk-based recommendations can prove challenging.
As we navigate this year’s respiratory illness season, Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) held a discussion focused on best practices to support equitable access to respiratory vaccines, which will include an overview of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for respiratory vaccines, and considerations specific to risk-based recommendations. Featuring insights from leading public health experts, clinicians, and government officials, the event explored what is working, where there might be barriers to implementation and gaps in communication and, how the public health community can work together to ensure all individuals are able to receive the vaccines they need.
Panelists included:
The discussion was moderated by Amy Pisani, CEO of Vaccinate Your Family.
“In the face of an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses this winter, including a 14.3 percent increase in deaths from COVID-19 and elevated levels of flu and RSV, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project urges greater awareness and underscores the vital role vaccination plays in helping to protect people of all ages against these vaccine preventable viruses. Additionally, we stress the crucial importance of widespread testing and timely access to treatment options to help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent hospitalization. With the peak of winter respiratory virus season upon us, the ‘tripledemic’ is a multi-front challenge, emphasizing the need to take prevention seriously. Vaccination, testing, and treatment can help protect our communities and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient tomorrow.”
The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project website includes resources on COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and coverage. A range of experts are also available to assist with your ongoing reporting.
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As more than 250 leading organizations representing patients, caregivers and families, diverse communities, healthcare workers, older Americans, veterans, frontline workers and scientists, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project launched in December 2020 to provide information about the clinical trials process, regulatory review, distribution of and access to potential COVID-19 vaccines in a way that promotes equity and trust. Support for the project has been provided by Pfizer, Inc., Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Novavax, and Novartis. Learn more at covidvaccineproject.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok at @COVIDVxProject.