RSV Vaccines and CDC Recommendations
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. In most cases, RSV infection causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can sometimes cause serious respiratory illness, especially in infants and older adults.
To help prevent RSV infections and their complications, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for certain groups at high risk of RSV infection.
Who Should Get RSV Vaccines?
Currently, there are two RSV vaccines approved by the FDA: Synagis (palivizumab) and Trumenba (meningococcal group B vaccine). Both vaccines are recommended by the CDC for use in certain individuals.
Synagis is a monoclonal antibody that helps to prevent RSV infections in infants and young children who are at high risk of severe RSV disease, including those:
- Born prematurely (less than 35 weeks gestational age)
- With chronic lung disease
- With congenital heart disease
The vaccine is given as a shot every month during RSV season (usually November through April).
Trumenba is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal group B infections, but it has also been shown to have some activity against the RSV virus. It is recommended by the CDC for use in adolescents and young adults at increased risk of meningococcal disease.
Vaccination Recommendations
RSV vaccine recommendations vary depending on the type of vaccine and the group being vaccinated.
For Synagis, the CDC recommends:
- Infants born prematurely (less than 35 weeks gestational age) should receive monthly injections of Synagis during their first RSV season.
- Infants with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease should receive monthly injections of Synagis during their first RSV season or up to their second RSV season (depending on the patient’s age).
For Trumenba, the CDC recommends:
- Adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 23 years should receive the vaccine if they are at increased risk of meningococcal disease (such as those with certain medical conditions or who travel to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease).
Conclusion
RSV infection can be serious, especially in certain high-risk groups. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent RSV infections and their complications. If you or a loved one falls into a high-risk category for RSV infection, talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination options.
Sources:
1. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages, causing mild cold-like symptoms in most cases. However, it can lead to severe respiratory illness, particularly in infants and older adults. 1
2. To prevent RSV infections and related complications, the CDC recommends vaccination for certain high-risk groups. The CDC has advised on various immunizations, including a new RSV immunization called nirsevimab, to protect babies and some toddlers from severe RSV during the RSV season. 2
3. The two FDA approved RSV vaccines mentioned, Synagis (palivizumab) and Trumenba (meningococcal group B vaccine), have specific guidelines. Synagis is a monoclonal antibody administered to infants and young children at high risk for severe RSV disease, including those born prematurely (less than 35 weeks gestational age), with chronic lung disease, or congenital heart disease. This vaccine is given monthly during the RSV season (usually November through April). 3
4. Trumenba, although primarily a vaccine against meningococcal group B infections, has shown some activity against RSV and is recommended for use in adolescents and young adults at increased risk of meningococcal disease.
5. The CDC’s vaccination recommendations for Synagis include monthly injections during the first RSV season for infants born prematurely or those with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease. 5
6. For Trumenba, the CDC recommends vaccination for adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 23 years who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease.
7. The RSV infection can be severe, especially in certain high-risk groups. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent RSV infections and their complications. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider about vaccination options if you or a loved one falls into a high-risk category for RSV infection. 7