From the Guidelines
The RSV vaccine provides protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection for a duration of approximately 6-12 months with a single dose administered intramuscularly 1.
Key Points
- The cumulative efficacy of the RSV vaccine over 2 seasons in adults ≥60 years old is around 67.2% (97.5% CI: 48.2,80.0) 1.
- The vaccine has been shown to be well tolerated in the overall population, with a clinically acceptable safety profile over 3 seasons 1.
- The exact duration of protection may vary depending on individual factors, such as age and underlying health conditions 1.
Duration of Protection
- A single dose of the RSV vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections for up to 150 days, with a median duration of protection of around 6 months.
- The cumulative efficacy over 3 seasons in adults ≥60 years old is around 62.9% (97.5% CI: 46.7,74.8) 1.
Safety and Efficacy
- The vaccine has been shown to be well tolerated in the overall population, with a clinically acceptable safety profile over 3 seasons 1.
- The estimated number of RSV-associated outcomes preventable per 1 million protein subunit RSV vaccine doses administered among adults aged ≥60 years is around 4,283 (range: 2,235–6,957) 1.
From the Research
RSV Vaccine Duration
The duration of the RSV vaccine's effectiveness is a crucial aspect of its application. According to the studies:
- Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, has been shown to provide protection against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections for at least 150 days after administration 2.
- A real-world effectiveness study found that nirsevimab provided substantial protection against RSV-related outcomes for at least three months, with effectiveness declining over time but remaining significant at 55% at 14 weeks post-immunization 3.
- Another study found that the vaccine Abrysvo, approved for use in pregnancy to protect the newborn, has an efficacy of over 80% in the first 3 months of life but slightly decreases after an age of 6 months 4.
- The FDA-approved long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab has been recommended for administration to all infants <8 months of age and for children 8 to 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, indicating its potential for long-term protection 5.
Key Findings
Some key findings related to the duration of the RSV vaccine's effectiveness include:
- Nirsevimab's effectiveness against RSV infection was 68.4% (95% CI, 50.3%-80.8%) 3.
- The highest effectiveness of nirsevimab, 84.6% (95% CI, 58.7%-95.6%), was observed against severe RSV outcomes requiring ICU admission or high-flow oxygen 3.
- Abrysvo's efficacy decreases slightly after 6 months of age, but it remains an effective tool for preventing RSV-associated disease and complications in high-risk groups 4.
Effectiveness Over Time
The effectiveness of the RSV vaccine over time is an essential consideration. The studies suggest that:
- Nirsevimab's effectiveness declines over time but remains significant at 55% at 14 weeks post-immunization 3.
- Abrysvo's efficacy decreases slightly after 6 months of age, but its exact duration of protection is not specified 4.
- The long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab has been recommended for administration to infants and young children, indicating its potential for long-term protection 5.