New RSV vaccine to be available for older Americans

This week, U.S. health officials recommended Americans 60 and older get a new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine in the fall, but say they should discuss it with their doctor first. The newly approved vaccines are expected to be ready in the fall, a time when flu shots and updated COVID-19 shots also will be available. RSV is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but it can be dangerous for infants and the elderly. The CDC said adults with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems and those living in long-term care facilities are at higher risk for respiratory infection.

In a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency said those eligible for the RSV vaccine should talk with their doctor to see if it is right for them.

A surge last year filled hospitals with wheezing children. On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the outgoing CDC director, signed off on a recommendation made last week by an advisory panel of outside experts for a single dose of the vaccines made by Pfizer and GSK. The FDA approved the shots last month for those 60 and older.Americans 60 and older can get a new RSV vaccine but should discuss it with their doctor first, U.S. health officials recommended Thursday.

Currently, there’s no vaccine yet for kids, but one for pregnant women to prevent illness in infants may be coming too, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration. 

Outgoing CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on a recommendation made last week by an advisory panel of outside experts for a single dose of the vaccines made by Pfizer and GSK. 

Drugmaker Pfizer has not disclosed a price, but GSK told the panel that its RSV vaccine would be between $200 and $295. The vaccines may hold up over multiple seasons and it’s not yet clear whether boosters will be recommended.