Respiratory syncytial virus vial.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a recommendation for adults aged 60 and above to receive a single dose of RSV vaccines from Pfizer and GSK after consulting their doctors.
The recommendation, which was made by an advisory panel of outside experts and approved by outgoing CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, emphasizes the importance of seniors working with their healthcare providers to determine if vaccination is appropriate for them.
The CDC expects the vaccines to be available to the public in the fall, when respiratory syncytial virus, COVID-19, and the flu tend to spread at higher levels.
In a statement, the CDC stated that these vaccines offer a chance to protect older adults from severe RSV illness during a time when multiple respiratory infections are likely to circulate.
RSV is a common respiratory infection that primarily causes mild symptoms but can be more severe in older adults and children. CDC data reveals that RSV leads to thousands of hospitalizations and deaths among seniors each year.
Walensky’s decision comes after the FDA approved the Pfizer and GSK vaccines, making them the first authorized vaccines against RSV in the world.
Both companies have released late-stage clinical data showing that their vaccines provide ongoing protection against RSV after one season of the virus. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of efficacy data for high-risk subgroups of the elderly population.
Dr. Michael Melgar, a CDC medical officer, pointed out that adults aged 75 and older, as well as those with underlying medical conditions, were not adequately represented in the phase three clinical trials conducted by Pfizer and GSK.
Additionally, the CDC panel expressed concerns about the pricing of the vaccines, which could impact accessibility for some Americans. GSK has priced its vaccine between $200 and $295, while Pfizer’s shot is priced between $180 and $270.
Both companies have not provided guarantees regarding the pricing.
Pfizer has also developed a vaccine for newborns to protect against RSV. Although an FDA advisory panel has recommended this vaccine, there are safety concerns related to premature births that may be associated with it. The final decision on the vaccine is expected in August.
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