The CDC has endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization’s recommendation to use the newly approved RSV vaccines for adults aged 60 and older. In a statement from CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, and in MMWR, the CDC notes that the RSV vaccines have the potential to prevent “substantial morbidity” among older adults at risk for severe RSV infection. The CDC encourages older adults and clinicians to engage in shared clinical decision making to determine the need for the RSV vaccine on a patient-by-patient basis while bearing in mind that older adults and those with chronic heart or lung disease and weakened immune systems have the greatest risk for severe RSV. The MMWR publication provides additional information regarding the safety of the approved vaccines, timing for vaccination, and guidance for shared decision making, as well as precautions and contraindications. The vaccines are expected to be available for use in the fall, according to the CDC.
