RSV kills thousands of seniors yearly

Respiratory syncytial virus causes severe illness in older adults. Two new vaccines launched in 2023 to protect against it.

Clinical trials showed promise, but questions remained

The vaccines showed high efficacy in trials, but researchers worried they might not work as well in the real world. COVID-19 timing meant less RSV was circulating during testing.

“There was a little concern that maybe these vaccines will not turn out to be quite as potent as they appeared.”

Real-world data confirms 80% protection

A study of 14.8 million seniors found RSV vaccines reduced hospitalizations and deaths by around 80%. Results matched clinical trial efficacy.

“These have all, very interestingly, and comfortingly, really paralleled and mimicked the exact results of the efficacy trials.”

Healthcare access didn't skew the results

Vaccinated people tended to live in wealthier areas and had higher flu and COVID vaccination rates. But analysis showed healthcare access wasn't the reason for their better outcomes.

Booster shots remain an open question

Researchers don't yet know if people need RSV boosters. The second dose produces a weaker antibody response than the first, unlike annual flu shots.

“Whether that is important, I don't think we really know.”

Future: broad-spectrum respiratory vaccines

Researchers are developing vaccines against other respiratory viruses like parainfluenza. The ultimate goal could be a single vaccine covering multiple viruses.