RSV Vaccines Offer Hope for Older Adults and Infants

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Yet, it can be severe, especially for infants and older adults. For decades, scientists have sought an effective RSV vaccine, and recent breakthroughs have led to the approval and recommendation of several options, offering a new layer of protection for vulnerable populations.

Understanding the Threat of RSV

RSV is highly contagious and spreads through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces. Although most people recover within a few weeks, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children. In older adults, RSV infection can exacerbate existing conditions like asthma and heart failure, increasing the risk of hospitalization and even death.

New Vaccines for Older Adults

In 2023 and 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several RSV vaccines specifically designed for older adults. These vaccines utilize different technologies to stimulate an immune response against the virus.

• RSVpreF: This bivalent vaccine, based on the prefusion F protein, has demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing RSV-related hospitalization in older adults.
• mRNA-1345: An mRNA-based vaccine, mRNA-1345, also showed promising results in clinical trials, offering protection against severe RSV illness.

The recommends RSV vaccination for adults 60 years and older, based on shared clinical decision-making with their healthcare provider.

Maternal RSV Vaccination

Protecting infants from RSV is another critical focus. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to provide passive immunity to the newborn, offering protection during the first few months of life when they are most vulnerable.

The Development Journey

Prior to 2023, there were no licensed vaccines against RSV. Early research faced challenges in developing a vaccine that elicited a robust and durable immune response without causing vaccine-enhanced disease. The development of the prefusion F protein stabilized vaccines, like RSVpreF, and mRNA technology, like mRNA-1345, overcame these hurdles.

Looking Ahead

The availability of RSV vaccines marks a significant advancement in public health. Continued monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and safety will be crucial, as will ongoing research to develop even more effective strategies for preventing and treating RSV infection across all age groups. As vaccination rates increase, we can anticipate a substantial reduction in the burden of RSV-related illness and hospitalization, particularly among those most at risk.