CDC Narrows Recommendations For RSV Vaccination Among Older Adults

The New York Times (6/26, Mandavilli) reports, “In an unusual move, federal health officials narrowed their recommendations for who should receive the vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus.” The CDC “advised last year that adults age 60 or older could receive a single lifetime dose of an R.S.V. vaccine, in consultation with their health care providers.” However, “on Wednesday, scientific advisers to the agency reframed that guideline. Based on recent safety and effectiveness data, they unanimously recommended that all Americans age 75 and older receive one dose of an R.S.V. vaccine.” The AP (6/26, Stobbe) reports that originally, “the vaccine advisers refrained from saying all older Americans should get the shots because of questions about possible side effects and the duration of protection.” Although “some of those questions still exist...panel members on Wednesday declined a request by vaccine manufacturers to more forcefully recommend the shots for all Americans 60 and older.” The Hill (6/26, Choi) reports, “There are currently two available RSV vaccines approved for use in the U.S. in people over 60, Abrysvo and Arexvy. The latter is also approved for adults aged 50 to 59 who are at an increased risk for severe RSV.”