Only 24% of Older People Protected From RSV

The American Lung Association (ALA) today announced it is launching an educational campaign to help raise awareness about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and steps to help prevent RSV infection.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that spreads through close contact with infected individuals.

This campaign is essential since only 24% of older adults have received one of the three approved RSV vaccines.

“RSV poses a serious threat, particularly to older adults and those with certain chronic medical conditions. Raising awareness about protection through vaccination is critical to saving lives and reducing hospitalizations during the respiratory virus season,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the ALA, in a press release on September 25, 2024.

“We encourage individuals 60 and older to talk to their healthcare providers about whether RSV vaccination is recommended for them.”

Individuals who have already received an RSV vaccine do not need additional doses, and vaccination is not recommended annually.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccination for adults 75 years and older and for adults aged 60 to 74 who are at high risk for severe disease.

The CDC says the ideal time for vaccination is before the RSV virus spreads widely. It typically increases during the fall and peaks in winter.

The CDC recently reported that RSV levels remained low but were increasing.  As of September 2024, the state of Florida had reported the most RSV cases in the United States.