U.S. health officials have updated their recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations, endorsing stronger recommendations for individuals aged 75 and older but offering narrower guidance for those aged 60 to 74. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention accepted the recommendations from outside advisers, suggesting that people 75 and older should get the shots, while those 60 to 74 should do so only if they are at higher risk for severe disease.
RSV is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and older adults. The FDA has licensed single-dose RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer for older people, but questions about side effects and duration of protection have slowed the process of recommending the shots for all older Americans.
The panel of experts declined to more forcefully recommend the shots for all Americans 60 and older, citing concerns about Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare nervous system disorder that has been reported among some RSV vaccine recipients. While FDA officials stated there is no clear evidence linking the shots to the disorder, ongoing research is being conducted.
Overall, the committee emphasized that the benefits of RSV vaccination outweigh the risks, particularly for individuals 75 and older who are at higher risk for severe RSV cases. The vaccine may also be recommended for 60- to 74-year-olds with specific underlying medical conditions or in certain high-risk settings, such as nursing homes. The newly approved RSV shot from Moderna will be subject to the same guidance provided by the panel.
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