A Breath of Fresh Air: Protecting Vulnerable Populations with New RSV Vaccines
2023 marked a turning point in respiratory health. In May, the first-ever vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
For many people, RSV can cause mild illness similar to the common cold. For infants, young children, and older adults, however, RSV can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and even death. Vaccinating at-risk populations against RSV could prevent up to 10,000 deaths each year among adults 65 and older in the United States, as well as hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations among both older adults and children.
A Brief History of the RSV Vaccine
Pharmaceutical companies have been trying to develop an RSV vaccine for decades. The first efforts in the 1960s were unsuccessful; a formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) vaccine induced a severe lung inflammatory response once subjects contracted RSV for the first time, leading to two deaths. Concerns hindered further development of another RSV vaccine for years. But that changed in 2023.
On May 3, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccine. Developed by biopharmaceutical company GSK, Arexvy was approved for individuals 60 years of age and older.
In a press release, Peter Marks, MD, PhD, the director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, stated, “Older adults, in particular those with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems, are at high risk for severe disease caused by RSV. [The] approval of the first RSV vaccine is an important public health achievement to prevent a disease which can be life-threatening and reflects the FDA’s continued commitment to facilitating the development of safe and effective vaccines for use in the United States.”
On May 31, 2023, the FDA approved a second RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, for individuals 60 and older. Developed by Pfizer, Abrysvo was additionally recommended by an FDA panel of advisors for pregnant women to protect infants up to 6 months old.
A little over a month later, the FDA approved Beyfortus to fight RSV infection in infants and young children. Developed by Sanofi and AstraZenaca, Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the RSV fusion protein. While it is not a vaccine, it is a preventative drug that provides infants and young children with immediate, short-term protection against RSV.
One year after the first two RSV vaccines were approved, the FDA approved mRESVIA from Moderna to add a third RSV vaccine to the slate.
Why Community Pharmacies Are Perfectly Suited to Administer RSV Vaccines
When it comes to administering vaccines, pharmacists are the country’s ace in the hole; they offer Accessibility, Convenience, and Expertise in the practice of immunization:
Accessibility: 9 out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. Often conveniently located in neighborhoods, community pharmacies are easily accessible for older adults who may have difficulty traveling to doctor’s offices or hospitals.
Convenience: Many pharmacies offer extended hours and weekend appointments, allowing for more flexible scheduling compared to traditional doctor visits. This can be particularly helpful for seniors who may have limited mobility or rely on others for transportation.
Expertise: Trained pharmacists are permitted to administer vaccines in every state. In addition, as medication experts, they can answer questions about the RSV vaccine, address any concerns, and ensure the vaccination process is smooth and safe.
With their patient-centered approach and unmatched ease of access, community pharmacies are a valuable resource for protecting vulnerable populations with the RSV vaccine.
Reaching Different Populations with RSV Vaccines
With multiple vaccines and different patient populations in mind, navigating who should get vaccinated and when can be confusing. Let’s explore how these new vaccines offer targeted protection for adults, pregnant women, and infants:
Adults Aged 60 Years and Older
Adults in this age group — particularly those in nursing homes or those with chronic health conditions, weakened immune systems and other risk factors — should receive a single dose of either Arexvy or Abrysvo.
Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant people who will be between 32 and 36 weeks gestation during RSV season (typically September to January) should receive a single dose of Abrysvo to protect their babies. GSK’s vaccine, Arexvy, is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Children up to 24 Months Old
Any infant under 8 months during RSV season should receive Beyfortus to help prevent RSV. Additionally, Beyfortus is also recommended for infants and children between 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease during their second RSV season, and can be given to children up to 24 months old.
Protecting the Vulnerable
As EnlivenHealth’s Youn Chu, PharmD stated in an article for Pharmacy Times, “Pharmacists have a sizable role to play in the battle against RSV and promoting immunity in their communities.” With these new vaccines available and ready — and community pharmacists ready to administer them — we can all breathe a little easier knowing that our most vulnerable populations can be protected against RSV.