U.S. Health Officials Recommend Getting the New RSV Vaccine for Americans Aged 60 and Older

h2: Americans 60 and older can get a new RSV vaccine this fall h3: U.S. health officials recommend discussing the new RSV vaccine with doctors h4: Eligibility and considerations for the RSV vaccine - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends discussing the new RSV vaccine with doctors for Americans aged 60 and older. - The vaccine is expected to be available in the fall, alongside flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines. - Individuals with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, and those living in long-term care facilities are at higher risk for RSV and should consult their doctor. - RSV is a common cause of cold-like symptoms, but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly. - There is currently no vaccine for children, but a vaccine for pregnant women to prevent illness in infants may be coming, pending FDA approval. h4: CDC approval and vaccine details - Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the outgoing CDC director, signed off on the recommendation for a single dose of RSV vaccines made by Pfizer and GSK for adults aged 60 and older. - The FDA approved the shots last month. - The endorsement was initially considered for everyone aged 65 and older but was adjusted due to concerns about effectiveness, need for boosters, and cost. - The price for the GSK vaccine is estimated to be between $200 and $295, while Pfizer has not disclosed a price. - It is not yet clear if boosters will be recommended and if the vaccines will hold up over multiple seasons. h4: Varied opinions on the vaccination recommendation - Some advocates wanted a stronger endorsement for individuals aged 65 and older to increase vaccination rates. - The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs supports broader vaccination efforts. Note: This response has been generated based on the given title and body content.

Considerations and Recommendations for the New RSV Vaccine for Americans Aged 60 and Older

US health officials have recommended that Americans aged 60 and older consider getting the new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine, although they should first discuss it with their doctor. These newly approved vaccines are expected to be available in the fall, along with flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that adults with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, and those living in long-term care facilities are at higher risk for RSV. RSV is a common cause of cold-like symptoms, but it can be particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. Last year, there was a surge in hospital admissions of wheezing children due to RSV. While there is currently no vaccine available for children, there may be one for pregnant women to prevent illness in infants, pending approval from the FDA. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the outgoing CDC director, recently signed off on a recommendation for a single dose of the RSV vaccines made by Pfizer and GSK for adults aged 60 and older. The FDA approved these shots last month. Initially, the CDC panel considered a stronger recommendation for everyone aged 65 and older to receive the vaccine. However, the endorsement was adjusted due to concerns about

Summing it up

effectiveness, the need for boosters, and cost. The price for the GSK vaccine is estimated to be between $200 and $295, while Pfizer has not disclosed its price. It is still unclear whether boosters will be recommended and how long the vaccines will remain effective. There have been varying opinions on the vaccination recommendation. Some advocates have called for a stronger endorsement for individuals aged 65 and older to increase vaccination rates. The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs supports broader efforts to vaccinate the older population. In conclusion, the new RSV vaccine provides hope for Americans aged 60 and older in protecting against the respiratory syncytial virus. Health officials advise discussing the vaccine with a healthcare provider to determine suitability. With CDC approval and FDA endorsement, the single-dose vaccines from Pfizer and GSK are set to be available this fall. However, further research is needed to assess the need for boosters and the long-term effectiveness of the vaccines. The varied opinions surrounding the vaccination recommendation highlight the complexity of reaching a consensus on prioritization and implementation. As more information becomes available, individuals and healthcare professionals can make informed decisions to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the impact of RSV.
Originally Published at: https://fortune.com/well/2023/06/29/new-rsv-vaccine-older-elderly-americans-60-older-cdc-fall-autumn/ Business Topic: Health