Federal Officials Revise Recommendations for R.S.V. Vaccine
The New York Times
Among Americans aged 60 to 74, only those with certain health conditions need to receive the shots, the agency concluded.
In an unusual move, federal health officials revised their recommendations for who should receive the vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended last year that adults age 60 or older could receive a single lifetime dose of an R.S.V. vaccine, in consultation with their health care providers.
On Wednesday, scientific advisers to the agency reframed that guideline. Based on recent safety and effectiveness data, they unanimously recommended that all Americans age 75 and older receive one dose of an R.S.V. vaccine.
But for adults 60 to 74 years of age, the panel endorsed vaccination only for those with certain serious conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, advanced kidney disease and diabetes with organ damage.
The advisers voted not to recommend the vaccine for other adults in this age group, although individuals may still consult with their health care providers to evaluate the risk that the infection poses to them.
Paradoxically, the new criteria may qualify more people to receive the shot, some advisers said. Not everyone at high risk — some older Black Americans, for example — has access to a health care provider who can make that determination.
