The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a messenger RNA-based vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for people aged 60 and older.
The Moderna vaccine is called mRESVIA. It is expected to be available for the 2024-2025 RSV season this fall. The shot showed 83.7% efficacy against lower respiratory tract disease that can occur when people contract RSV, according to phase 3 trial data. The vaccine was 78.7% effective against lower respiratory tract disease for recipients after eight months.
RSV is highly contagious and causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages, especially in seniors.
“Older adults, in particular those with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems, are at high risk for severe disease caused by RSV,” said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
The CDC currently recommends shared decision making between clinicians and patients for RSV immunization in adults aged 60 and older.
RSV, along with COVID-19 and seasonal flu, was a top-three threat last winter.
From the July/August 2024 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
