Perhaps you’ve read the headlines: “RSV Infections Surge,” “Cases on the Rise” and “Tripledemic Looms.” You may have even suffered through a bout of crud over the holiday season, wiping out entire boxes of tissues and hacking with a dry cough that lingered for days. And the most severe cases hospitalized as many as 160,000 older Americans. Despite that, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a relatively unrecognized cause of the respiratory illnesses that plague us in winter.
But there’s good news, too. And like any good news story, this one explores the what, who, when, where and why to ensure you’re well-educated about the RSV vaccine that’s now available for the 60-and-older population.
Read on for expert information from Dr. Robert Oliverio, Vice President & Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Care & Population Health with Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
WHAT? The new RSV vaccine protects against a highly contagious virus that causes an upper respiratory tract infection with symptoms like cough, cold and runny nose. The goal is to prevent severe cases, which can worsen into lower respiratory tract infections and lead to hospitalization.
WHO? Older adults -those 60 and older – are encouraged to get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While RSV doesn’t typically cause worrisome illness in healthy individuals, the infection can be problematic in young children, whose lungs are smaller and seniors with underlying medical conditions. The older adults most at risk are those facing:
- Lung conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Weakened immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Congestive heart failure from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity
WHEN? The CDC recommended the first RSV vaccine for folks at least 60 years of age in August 2023, so this vaccine is still novel to many. (Shoot, we’re still coming to terms with needing both flu and COVID-19 shots annually.) “Thankfully, you can get all three shots at the same time with few, if any, side effects beyond the typical sore injection site and mild chills, body aches, and fever,” says Dr. Oliverio, adding that current thinking holds the RSV shot will be needed only every other year.
WHERE? Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers RSV vaccines for anyone over the age of 60 with an appointment. Speak to your doctor to learn more and find the easiest way to get the vaccine.
WHY? The new RSV vaccines are remarkably effective, keeping people out of the hospital and preventing them from getting really sick in up to 95 percent of cases. “And that’s the point,” says Dr. Oliverio. “Protecting yourself against severe illness is the real measure of success for the vaccine.”
Ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you need a doctor, call (843) 402-CARE. Or learn more about Roper St. Francis Partners Primary Care services offered.