RSV Season Has Arrived in Florida

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity was not detectable in most countries, new data indicates that this respiratory virus has arrived in the United States.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV activity usually begins in Florida and then migrates to the southeast, later to the north and west regions.

As of July 20, 2024, the Florida Department of Health reported that RSV admissions were increasing, but there had been no outbreaks this early in the season.

Since Florida's week report #29 was published, the CDC has not issued any Travel Health Advisories regarding RSV's health risks for Florida visitors. This virus impacts the health of many seniors and children in the U.S.

Unlike previous years, the U.S. government has approved three RSV vaccines and cleared passive immunization for infants and young children.

For the 2024-2025 season, the CDC recommends that everyone 75 and older receive the RSV vaccine. Those 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, meaning they have certain chronic medical conditions or live in nursing homes, receive one of the approved vaccines.

Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually spreads in communities.

This CDC recommendation is for adults who did not get an RSV vaccine last year. 

Furthermore, the RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season.

The CDC's Director, Dr. Mandy Cohen, commented in a press release on June 26, 2024, “The CDC has updated its RSV vaccination recommendation for older adults to prioritize those at highest risk for serious illness from RSV." 

As of July 31, 2024, these innovative RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapy (Beyfortus) are offered in Florida clinics and pharmacies.