RSV Vaccines: Insights for At-Risk and Older Adults

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:

• Amadea Britton, MD, Medical Officer, Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, Co-Lead of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Adult RSV Vaccine Work Group, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Lynn Albizo, JD, Chief Public Policy Officer at the Immune Deficiency Foundation
• Sara Maloney, MPA, Program Director of the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative and the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation, USAging

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.