Here is what to know about RSV and vaccine development. Also, learn how you can prevent the spread of RSV and what passive preventive immunization means.
In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of two vaccines to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. Arexvy and Abryvso are approved for people 60 years of age and older. Abrysvo is also approved for pregnant people at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age to protect their newborn children from RSV. The vaccine is given to pregnant people because they can pass their immunity to their babies.
In the trials studying these vaccines prior to their approval, large numbers of people were tested as a final step to ensure safety and effectiveness. These new vaccines have undergone rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness. These are different from an initial attempt 50 years ago that had a tragic outcome.
The new vaccines take advantage of technology developed over the last half century. They include some mRNA vaccines, similar to one of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Nearly 58,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized in the United States with RSV each year. In addition, there may be as many as 500 deaths per year associated with RSV in this age group. RSV is the number one cause of bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the small airways, and pneumonia in infants under one year old.
Among adults, those hospitalized with RSV is estimated at 177,000, with 14,000 deaths per year. Some experts believe the actual number of deaths in both groups is higher. This is in part due to a low rate of testing for the virus.
RSV is highly contagious, and outbreaks often occur during colder months. Like many viruses, RSV can spread through droplets that are expelled into the air by coughing or sneezing.
The virus can also be transmitted by touching an unclean surface and then touching your face or eyes. This may be the most common form of transmission. The virus can survive for up to 6 hours on a hard surface and about 30 minutes on unclean hands.
Preventing the spread of RSV follows the same recommendations as other viruses:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs or electronic devices.
- Keep from touching your face, where the virus often enters through the eyes or nose.
- Stay away from individuals if you or they may be infected, whether or not they show symptoms.
Doctors can prescribe a medication called palivizumab (Synagis) to help prevent severe RSV in high risk children. Palivizumab is not a vaccine in the traditional sense of triggering your body to build immunity. However, it does lower the risk of serious lung infection. This kind of approach is called “passive preventive immunization.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement in August of 2022 saying that it “continues to support the use of palivizumab in eligible infants in any region experiencing rates of RSV activity similar to a typical fall-winter season.”
A recent study reported that palivizumab was safe and effective in older adults as well. Researchers also are testing other medications to treat RSV.
Multiple vaccines for RSV are in the pipeline, in clinical trials. The FDA may approve these vaccines within the next several years.
RSV, or syncytial respiratory virus, is a very common and very contagious infection that causes mild illness in most people. However, RSV can be dangerous to infants and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, or who are over the age of 65.
Vaccines to prevent RSV have recently been approved by the FDA and others are in late stages of development and testing. There is evidence that palivizumab, a passive immunization medication, may prevent severe RSV in infants.
Vaccines for RSV can prevent serious infections in very young infants as well as certain adults. Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify to receive an RSV vaccine.