RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults in Pittsburgh, PA

If you're a senior aged 75 or older in Pittsburgh, PA, you're likely already getting annual shots for the flu and COVID. But what about other viruses, such as RSV?

Though RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) doesn't require annual vaccinations, it's still important to receive protection against it. In the U.S. alone, RSV causes up to 10,000 deaths and 160,000 hospitalizations of adults 65 or older each year.

Want to learn more about this virus? In this article, we'll go over RSV vaccine recommendations for adults and everything else seniors need to know!

How Does RSV Work?

RSV is a virus that infects your lungs and respiratory tract. Though it's particularly common in young children, RSV can also infect adults.

In most people, RSV symptoms are fairly mild and can seem like a cold. They usually appear four to six days after exposure to the virus. Some common symptoms include:

• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Low-grade fever

In severe cases, RSV infection may spread to the respiratory tract. From there, it can lead to other serious conditions, such as:

• Pneumonia
• Congestive heart failure
• Bronchiolitis (infection of the lungs)

Should You Get an RSV Vaccine?

As we get older, our immune systems get weaker. This means seniors face an increasingly greater risk of developing complications from RSV.

This is why the CDC recommends RSV vaccines for all seniors ages 75 or older. The same applies to seniors ages 50 to 74 who are at an increased risk of RSV. Some factors that increase your risk for severe illness are:

• Severe obesity
• Weakened immune system
• Chronic lung or heart disease
• End-stage renal disease
• Some other chronic conditions

The main reason not to get an RSV vaccine is if you've had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component. That said, it's best to discuss your specific situation with your doctor or personal care assistant before getting the shot.

Benefits of RSV Prevention for Aging Adults

An RSV vaccine can be a major source of respiratory protection for seniors. At the very least, it will provide the following benefits:

• You're less likely to get infected by RSV
• If you get RSV, you're less likely to be severely sick
• An RSV infection is less likely to lead to a hospitalization

In the big picture, high RSV vaccination rates help create herd immunity. This serves as further protection for people who are more vulnerable to severe RSV or aren't vaccinated against it, particularly in senior living communities.

RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults

Right now, there are three senior vaccines in PA for RSV: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mResvia. Here's how these shots differ and how effective they are.

GSK's Arexvy

Arexvy is a protein subunit vaccine. This means it contains a portion of the RSV virus to trigger an immune response in your body. Arexvy also includes an adjuvant (AS01E) that enhances the immune response.

Arexvy was first licensed during the 2023-2024 RSV season. A Lancet study showed that it was 87.5% effective at preventing RSV-associated hospitalizations. This is slightly more effective than Abrysvo, which offered 84.6% efficacy.

Pfizer's Abrysvo

Like Arexvy, Abrysvo is a protein subunit vaccine. One key difference is that it doesn't contain an adjuvant. It can target different strains of RSV, making it safe for pregnant women in addition to older adults.

Abrysvo was only licensed during the 2023-2024 season. Though it's not quite as effective as Arexvy, it still offers excellent protection against RSV. Real-world effectiveness of both vaccines will require further testing.

Moderna's mResvia

Moderna's mResvia is the only mRNA shot on this list. It uses mRNA to tell your body's cells to produce the pre-fusion F protein, stimulating the immune system. Like Abrysvo, it doesn't contain an adjuvant.

Due to how recently mResvia was licensed, the real-world effectiveness of this vaccine is hard to estimate. That said, early results are quite promising.

Which RSV Vaccine Is Best for You?

For seniors, there's not much difference between the three vaccines outlined above. They're all single-dose shots that are effective at combating RSV.

The real question here is: when should you get your shot? The best time to do it is in late summer and early fall, before the start of the RSV season. That said, you can get one at any time, unless you have a moderate or severe illness.

At this moment, the RSV vaccine isn't an annual shot. Once you get yours, you won't need to do it again. The CDC and ACIP are still evaluating the need for additional doses, so this may change in the future.

Safety and Precautions

Before getting the RSV shot, there are a few adult immunization tips you should keep in mind. For starters, possible side effects of getting this vaccine are:

• Redness, swelling, and pain in the location of the shot
• Aches in your body or joints
• Fever, nausea, and diarrhea
• General tiredness

These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. If the side effects are persistent or severe enough, it's best to seek medical attention. This is particularly true if you think you're having an allergic reaction.

Are you still waiting to receive your RSV shot? If so, it's best to take preventive measures to lower the risk of infection until you're safe. These include:

• Avoid smoking
• Wash your hands often
• Disinfect your room regularly
• Don't share drinking glasses
• Cover your mouth when sneezing

Personal Care and Wellness in Pittsburgh, PA

The bottom line: RSV is a dangerous virus that demands to be taken seriously. If you're of a certain age, the above RSV vaccine recommendations for adults will give you all the information you need to ensure your protection.

At Discovery Commons Bethel Park, we know all about protecting senior health. Our Personal Care services include care plans suited to each of our residents. We allow our residents to be self-reliant while providing qualified help when needed!

Are you a veteran who's thinking of joining our Pittsburgh community? Through our partnership with Patriot Angels, you'll receive $1,000 off your second month's rent! Contact us now to learn more about our veteran programs!