The Impact of RSV Vaccination on Hospitalization Risk in Older Adults

A recent study conducted by researchers led by Diya Surie, MD, at the CDC in Atlanta revealed significant findings regarding the effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination among older adults. The study, published in JAMA, showed that during the period from October 2023 to March 2024, RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 and over was associated with a remarkable 75% reduction in the risk of RSV-associated hospitalization. This effectiveness was consistent across different age groups, with a vaccine effectiveness of 75% for adults aged 60 to 74 years and 76% for those aged 75 and older.

Implications of the Study

These findings have important implications for public health policy, as the CDC currently recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older, as well as for those aged 60 to 74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease. With three vaccines now approved for older adults, the study provides solid evidence supporting the recommendation for RSV vaccination in this population. The study also highlights the need for further research to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of RSV vaccination in older adults.

Study Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights into the benefits of RSV vaccination in older adults, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. One major limitation is the low uptake of the vaccine in the first season of use, which may impact the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, disparities in vaccine uptake and the potential for residual confounding from unmeasured factors may have influenced the results. It is imperative for future studies to address these limitations and provide more robust evidence on the efficacy of RSV vaccination in older adults.

The study by Surie and colleagues sheds light on the potential benefits of RSV vaccination in reducing the risk of hospitalization in older adults. The findings underscore the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against severe RSV disease, especially in high-risk populations. Moving forward, further research is needed to confirm these results and inform public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of RSV-related hospitalizations in older adults.