RSV Immunizations – 9/26/2024

This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

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September 26, 2024 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

RSV can be dangerous for babies and older adults. We are entering the second year where RSV immunizations will be available to protect these groups from severe RSV. There is one set of recommendations for older adults, and a separate set – which includes two immunization options – to protect babies.

RSV Vaccines for Older Adults     CDC recommends a single dose of an RSV vaccine for everyone ages 75 and older and for people ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. Adults ages 60-74 are considered at increased risk if they have one or more of the following risk factors: Chronic heart or lung disease A weakened immune system Certain other medical conditions*, including diabetes with complications and severe obesity Live in a nursing home *For a complete list of chronic health issues that lead to increased risk of severe RSV, see Clinical Overview of RSV.   If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.   How well do these vaccines work? Real-world data gathered during the 2023-2024 RSV season show that RSV vaccines reduced the risk of RSV-associated hospitalization or emergency department visits by 75%-80%. Importantly, these data include populations that are at highest risk for severe RSV, including those ages 75 and older, those who are immunocompromised, and those who live in nursing homes.   If you are eligible for an RSV vaccine, the best time to get vaccinated is now (late summer through early fall) – before the RSV season starts!

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RSV Immunizations to Protect Infants  CDC recommends all babies be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options: A maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) given to the mother during weeks 32 – 36 of pregnancy An RSV antibody (nirsevimab) given to the baby. RSV antibody should be administered in the first week after birth – ideally during the birth hospitalization, or shortly before the RSV season if they are born outside of RSV season. Nirsevimab is also recommended for a small group of young children 8 – 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV. Most babies will not need both.   Both RSV immunizations to protect infants are administered during specific months, detailed here: * For infants born outside of this window (April – September) and for young children who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season, the optimal timing for nirsevimab administration is shortly before the RSV season begins (October or November).   How good are these immunizations at protecting babies? Early real-world data show that nirsevimab was 80-90% effective in preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. It provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least 5 months.   CDC continues to gather real-world effectiveness data for maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo). Our best data at this time continues to be from the phase 3 clinical trial, which showed the maternal RSV vaccine reduced the risk of the baby being hospitalized for RSV by 68% and the risk of having a healthcare visit for RSV by 57% within 3 months after birth. Additional data shows that maternal antibodies protect the baby against RSV for approximately 6 months after birth.   Whether you're a healthcare provider, a caretaker, or at risk of RSV yourself, you can help fight against RSV by learning and sharing CDC's recommendations with others. Learn More

Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot  The Respiratory Virus Weekly Snapshot provides an update on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity nationally and in your state. Check back every Friday for the latest data. Learn More

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CDC Updates | COVID-19 MMWR and Updates - 9/12/2024

This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

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September 12, 2024 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines    Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer, more reliable way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. Getting the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is important because: Protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases with time. COVID-19 vaccines are updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains. Getting the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is especially important if you: Never received a COVID-19 vaccine Are ages 65 years and older Are at high risk for severe COVID-19 Are living in a long-term care facility Are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future. Want to lower your risk of getting Long COVID FDA recently approved and authorized the 2024 – 2025 COVID-19 vaccines . Ask your doctor, pharmacist, community health center, or contact your state health department. Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination appointments are available. Some pharmacies may offer vaccines to those who walk in without making an appointment ahead of time.

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Flu season is coming! Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. During an average flu season, flu can cause millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths. A flu vaccine offers the best protection against flu and potentially severe flu-related complications.   Everyone 6 months of age and older should make a plan to get an updated flu vaccine. All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season are trivalent (three component) vaccines that protect against three influenza viruses: an A(H1N1) virus, an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria virus. Learn More

Order Free COVID-19 Tests      COVIDtests.gov will re-open at the end of September. Households across the country can order four additional over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024. You can also find instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates for any tests you may already have. To order four free, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, visit  COVIDtests.gov. Learn More

Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot The Respiratory Virus Weekly Snapshot provides an update on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity nationally and in your state. Check back every Friday for the latest data. Learn More

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348 Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe