The recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations has raised questions among healthcare professionals and older Americans alike. While FDA officials have noted that there is no clear evidence linking RSV shots to Guillain-Barre syndrome, concerns remain over potential side effects and the duration of vaccine protection.
On the recommendation of a committee of outside advisers, the CDC has updated its guidance, suggesting that individuals aged 75 and older should receive the RSV vaccines. However, for those aged 60 to 74, the recommendation is conditional; they should only receive the shots if they are at higher risk for severe disease. This decision comes in light of ongoing research into the relationship between RSV shots and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Despite the CDC’s recommendations, some vaccination panel members have expressed their apprehensions. Dr. Camille Kotton stated, “Nonetheless, I remain quite concerned” about recurring indicators of Guillain-Barre in vaccination surveillance data. These sentiments underline the hesitancy among health professionals to universally endorse the vaccine for older Americans, particularly those in their 60s.
The RSV vaccines from two manufacturers, GSK and Pfizer, are currently licensed for older adults. However, the vaccine advisers recently declined a request from these manufacturers to more forcefully recommend the shots for all Americans aged 60 and older. This lack of a strong endorsement may contribute to the confusion surrounding vaccination recommendations.
Physicians have expressed that the lukewarm guidance is challenging to explain to patients. This complexity has resulted in a concerning statistic: fewer than 25% of older Americans have received an RSV vaccination. The committee also emphasized that individuals in nursing homes or those deemed frail by their doctors should be prioritized within the 60 to 74 age group.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that a higher-than-expected number of Guillain-Barre cases has been reported among RSV vaccine recipients, particularly among those who received the Pfizer shot. The new RSV vaccine from Moderna will also be subject to this same guidance as it rolls out.
The panel's decision not to recommend GSK's vaccine for individuals in their 50s—despite FDA licensing—further complicates the landscape of RSV vaccinations. For those aged 60 and older, several chronic conditions, including chronic heart disease, advanced-stage kidney disease, chronic lung illnesses, and severe obesity, elevate their risk of severe illness.
Leave a Reply