2023-08-01 16:12:29
RSV Vaccination: Who Should Be Vaccinated?
The RS virus, which causes respiratory illnesses, is a concern for certain groups of individuals, especially premature babies and children with certain previous illnesses. The German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has provided recommendations for these groups, but further recommendations for pregnant women and older adults are still pending.
Premature babies and infants up to six months old, as well as young children with previous illnesses, are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV infections. To protect these high-risk groups, doctors recommend passive RS virus vaccination. This includes children born before or at 35 weeks gestation, those under six months old at the start of the RSV season, and children under two years old with congenital heart defects or a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The vaccination is administered once a month during the RSV season, usually in the thigh, with a total of five doses planned. The protective effect begins after the first dose.
For older adults, active RSV vaccination was approved by the European Commission in June 2023. This vaccine is intended to protect individuals over 60 years old from lower respiratory tract diseases caused by the RS virus. The results of a pivotal study involving 25,000 adults showed that the vaccine provides approximately 83% protection against RSV disease for six months. Based on current knowledge, it is recommended that individuals receive the vaccine once a year before the start of the RSV season. However, the vaccine is not yet available on the market. It is expected to be available in German pharmacies in autumn, coinciding with the start of the RSV season. It is still uncertain if the vaccination recommendation applies to all individuals over 60 or only specific risk groups. An official recommendation from the STIKO is awaited.
RSV vaccination during pregnancy is aimed at protecting newborns from RS-related respiratory diseases after birth. A large-scale study showed that 81% of infants whose mothers received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy were protected from severe illness in their first six months of life. After active vaccination, the expectant mother develops antibodies that she passes on to the unborn child through the placenta, providing passive immunity during the early months of life. The vaccine for pregnant women is currently undergoing approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
As we await further recommendations from the STIKO, it is important for individuals and healthcare providers to stay informed about RSV vaccination guidelines to protect those at risk from severe illness and ensure the health and well-being of all.]
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