People over the age of 60 can get a new human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, but they should see their doctor first, US health authorities recommended Thursday.
These newly approved vaccines will be available in the fall, at the same time as the flu vaccine and a new updated vaccine against COVID-19. Those who can access the VRS vaccine should consult their doctor to determine if it is appropriate, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).
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The CDC said that adults with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, and residents of nursing homes are at increased risk of respiratory infection.
Human respiratory syncytial virus causes flu-like symptoms, but can be dangerous for very young children and the elderly. Last year, hospitals were filled with children wheezing. There is no pediatric vaccine yet, but one for pregnant women may soon be available to prevent disease in children. Approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still pending.
On Thursday, outgoing CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky approved an outside advisory panel’s recommendation for a single dose of the Pfizer and GSK vaccines. Last month, the FDA approved the vaccines for people over 60 years of age.
The CDC panel initially contemplated a stronger recommendation that those 65 and older receive the vaccine. But it was partially withdrawn amid questions about its effectiveness in weaker patients, whether boosters were needed and cost.
2023-07-07 15:30:00
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