RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a highly contagious virus that causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages in individuals of all age groups. Currently, there is no cure for RSV, and the medical world is limited to offering only supportive care, such as oxygen and fluids, for those with the illness. However, there are now two RSV vaccines aimed at older people and a monoclonal antibody for children up to age 2 that could become available as soon as late summer or early fall.
The first RSV vaccine approved for use in the United States is Arexvy, which is approved for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older. Another RSV vaccine for adults, RSVpreF, has also been approved by the FDA. Both vaccines contain a part of the RSV virus and work by causing an immune response that can protect individuals from respiratory disease if they are infected with RSV in the future.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems, as they are at high risk for severe disease caused by RSV. Pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy can also be vaccinated to protect their babies when they are most vulnerable for developing severe illness with RSV, usually in the first six to 12 months of life.
In summary, RSV vaccine is a preventative measure to reduce the incidence and severity of RSV infections. The vaccine is recommended for older adults and pregnant women to protect them from severe disease caused by RSV.
