Dr. Barbara Resnick, geriatric nurse practitioner and recognized leader in the field, reflects on the severe impacts of respiratory illness on her higher-risk patients.

Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for all adults 50 years of age and older, and they are covered by both public and private insurance.

Learn more about the burden and risks of pneumococcal disease among adults 50+.

Learn more about pneumococcal disease and how adults 50+ can stay protected through vaccination.

Immunization is the best protection against many infectious respiratory illnesses. Vaccines strengthen our immune defenses and reduce the severity and spread of disease.

Randy Rutta, CEO of the National Health Council, discusses the importance of investing in community health through preventive measures such as vaccination.

Immunization is the best protection against many infectious respiratory illnesses. Learn more about the timelines for vaccination against infectious respiratory diseases for different groups of individuals.

Dr. Emily Kryger, owner of PharmRecs LLC and a board certified geriatric pharmacist, discusses the impact that respiratory diseases have had on the population she cares for — and how vaccines have helped protect against severe illness.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. In many people, it causes cold-like symptoms, including cough, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, and headache. However, for adults ages 50 and older, RSV can be far more serious. It can cause more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis (an infection of the lungs), congestive heart failure, or worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms. Adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized — and severe RSV can be life threatening.

Most people think of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a childhood illness, but the same virus can seriously affect adults, too. In fact, RSV rivals the flu in both the severity of illness and cost to older adults. Adults ages 75 and older are at the highest risk of severe RSV illness. Adults ages 50-74 can also be vulnerable, especially if they have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. These factors can increase the likelihood of severe RSV illness or hospitalization.