CDC issues simplified RSV vaccine guidance for seniors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its RSV vaccine guidance for seniors for the upcoming respiratory viral season, saying the new recommendations are intended to simplify decision-making for patients and doctors.

The new guidance recommends that everyone over age 75 get the RSV vaccine, as well as anyone ages 60 to 74 who is “at increased risk for severe RSV.”

Prior to this, the CDC recommended that everyone over age 60 have the option of receiving one dose of the RSV vaccine.

“This recommendation is for adults who have not received the RSV vaccine in the past year. The RSV vaccine is currently not an annual vaccine, which means people do not need to get a dose each RSV season. Eligible adults can receive an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall, before RSV typically begins to spread in communities,” the agency said in a press release.

There are currently two RSV vaccines available, approved for use in the US in people over 60, Abrysvo and Arexvy. The latter is also approved for adults ages 50 to 59 who are at increased risk for severe RSV.

Last year marked the first time that RSV vaccines were made available to the public. Preventative RSV vaccines or antibodies have also been approved for pregnant mothers and babies.

“CDC has updated its RSV vaccination recommendation for older adults to prioritize those at highest risk for severe illness from RSV,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “People ages 75 and older, or ages 60-74 with certain chronic health conditions or living in a nursing home should receive a dose of the RSV vaccine to provide an extra layer of protection.”

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story