• Posted June 29, 2023

CDC Gives Full Approval to RSV Shots for People Over 60; Vaccines Available This Fall

Americans ages 60 and up can get their vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this fall, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.

On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the outgoing CDC director, gave her signature to a recommendation made last week by an advisory panel of outside experts for a single dose of the vaccines made by Pfizer and GSK. The FDA sanctioned the shots last month for adults 60 and older.

The CDC added in a statement that it is advising seniors to first consult with their doctors to determine if the vaccine is right for them.

These higher-risk adults can get a single dose of either the Pfizer or GSK vaccine, both of which have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

While some, including Robert Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, wanted the CDC to give a stronger vaccine recommendation for those ages 65 and up, the advisory panel offered the weaker endorsement after raising questions, the AP reported.

Those included how well the vaccine worked in those who were most frail, whether there might be a need for boosters and costs, the AP reported.

Pfizer has not revealed their pricing plan. GSK plans to charge between $200 and $295 a shot.

RSV can appear like the common cold, but can be dangerous for infants, children and the elderly, the AP reported. Those adults considered most at risk have chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system or live in a long-term care facility.

New RSV vaccines may soon be approved for pregnant women, to help prevent their infants from becoming sick.

More information

The American Lung Association has more on RSV.

SOURCE: Associated Press, June 29, 2023