Here’s what would happen if RSV vaccines were like flu shots – CTV

Jan. 3, 2024

If respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines were given to people aged 60 and older like a flu shot, it would “dramatically” reduce illness and death, a new study says.

Published on Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, the study by Yale University researchers found if 66 per cent of the older adult population was given an RSV vaccine, it would decrease the burden of patients on the health-care system.

For many people, RSV presents like a common cold, but for young children, infants or older adults, it can result in severe infections.

RSV vaccines Arexvy and Abrysvo are authorized for people age 60 and over in the U.S., the study notes.

In Canada, Arexvy can be given to prevent RSV in adults aged 60 and older and Abrysvo can be given to pregnant individuals and infants from birth to six months to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV.

Read more: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/here-s-what-would-happen-if-rsv-vaccines-were-like-flu-shots-1.6709095