From the Guidelines
The RSV vaccine is recommended for people aged ≥50 years with risk factors and all persons aged ≥60 years, with prioritization for individuals aged ≥75 years and those aged ≥50 years with risk factors if vaccine availability is limited. The vaccine should preferably be given between September and November and can be co-administered with the influenza vaccine 1. For infants, nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is given as a one-time injection during or before their first RSV season, with dosing based on weight (50mg for infants under 5kg, 100mg for those over 5kg) 1. Key risk factors for severe RSV disease include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, immunocompromise, frailty, dementia, and residence in a nursing home 1. The RSV vaccine works by stimulating antibody production against the RSV F protein, which the virus uses to enter cells, thereby preventing infection or reducing its severity. RSV is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children worldwide, and can cause severe respiratory illness, especially in vulnerable populations 1. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends nirsevimab for all infants aged <8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season and for infants and children aged 8–19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and are entering their second RSV season 1.
Key Points
- The RSV vaccine is recommended for people aged ≥50 years with risk factors and all persons aged ≥60 years.
- The vaccine should preferably be given between September and November.
- Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is recommended for infants as a one-time injection during or before their first RSV season.
- Key risk factors for severe RSV disease include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, immunocompromise, frailty, dementia, and residence in a nursing home.
- The RSV vaccine works by stimulating antibody production against the RSV F protein.
Recommendations
- People aged ≥50 years with risk factors and all persons aged ≥60 years should receive the RSV vaccine.
- Infants should receive nirsevimab (Beyfortus) as a one-time injection during or before their first RSV season.
- The vaccine should be given between September and November, and can be co-administered with the influenza vaccine.
- Prioritization should be given to individuals aged ≥75 years and those aged ≥50 years with risk factors if vaccine availability is limited.
From the FDA Drug Label
SYNAGIS is a prescription medication that is used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in children SYNAGIS contains man-made, disease-fighting proteins called antibodies.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine is not a vaccine, but rather a prescription medication called Synagis that is used to help prevent serious lung disease caused by RSV in children. It contains man-made, disease-fighting proteins called antibodies. 2, 2
From the Research
Overview of RSV Vaccine
- The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine is a type of vaccine designed to protect against RSV infections, which are a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and older adults 3, 4.
- As of 2017, there were 14 vaccines and 2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) being tested in clinical trials for the prevention of RSV infections 3.
Types of RSV Vaccines
- There are several types of RSV vaccines being developed, including:
- Active vaccines, which stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies against RSV 3, 5.
- Passive immunization, which involves the use of monoclonal antibodies, such as palivizumab and nirsevimab, to provide temporary protection against RSV infections 6, 7, 4.
- Vaccines that target the prefusion conformation of the RSV fusion (F) protein, such as Arexvy and Abrysvo, which have been shown to be effective in protecting older adults and infants against RSV infections 4.
Approved RSV Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies
- Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody that has been approved for the prevention of RSV infections in high-risk infants, such as those born prematurely or with certain underlying health conditions 6, 7.
- Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that has been recommended for the prevention of RSV infections in all infants under 12 months of age 7.
- Arexvy and Abrysvo are two vaccines that have been approved for use in older adults and pregnant women to protect against RSV infections 4.
Efficacy and Safety of RSV Vaccines
- The efficacy of RSV vaccines has been shown to be over 80% in protecting against symptomatic RSV infections and associated lower respiratory tract diseases in older adults and infants 4.
- The safety of RSV vaccines has been demonstrated in clinical studies, with a low rate of undesired side effects and rare severe side effects 4.