Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While RSV usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, it can lead to severe illness, particularly in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In recent years, vaccines have been developed to prevent RSV, significantly enhancing protection for those most at risk. This blog will provide a straightforward overview of RSV vaccines, focusing on their benefits, types, and who should get them.
What is RSV?
RSV is a virus that can infect people of all ages, but it is especially dangerous for certain groups:
Infants: RSV is a leading cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in babies.
Older Adults: RSV can exacerbate underlying conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.
People with Weakened Immune Systems: Those undergoing chemotherapy or with certain genetic conditions are at higher risk of severe illness(Green-book-chapter-27a).
How Does RSV Spread?
RSV spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces or through close contact with an infected person. The virus is highly contagious, with a basic reproduction number (R0) of around 4.5, meaning one infected person can potentially spread it to 4-5 others(Green-book-chapter-27a-…).
The Need for an RSV Vaccine
Before the introduction of RSV vaccines, the virus caused significant illness and healthcare strain, especially during peak seasons. In the UK alone, it was estimated to cause around 33,500 hospital admissions annually in children under five and 5,000 to 7,500 deaths in older adults each year(Green-book-chapter-27a-…). This high disease burden highlighted the need for effective prevention strategies, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, to reduce severe cases and hospitalisations.
Types of RSV Vaccines
There are several types of RSV vaccines available, each designed to protect different age groups and at-risk populations. Here is an overview of the main vaccines currently licensed in the UK:
Pfizer’s Abrysvo® (RSV Pre-F Vaccine):
Target Group: Pregnant women (to protect infants) and older adults aged 60 years and above.
Mechanism: This is a bivalent vaccine containing recombinant RSV pre-fusion (Pre-F) protein antigens from both subtypes A and B. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that can neutralize the virus.
Efficacy: Studies have shown that maternal vaccination with Abrysvo® provides up to 82.4% efficacy against severe RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants for up to 90 days and 70% efficacy for up to 180 days(Green-book-chapter-27a-…). For older adults, it has demonstrated efficacy rates of 65.1% against RSV LRTI with two or more symptoms and up to 88.9% for more severe cases(Green-book-chapter-27a-…).
GSK’s Arexvy® (Adjuvanted RSV Pre-F Vaccine):
Target Group: Older adults aged 60 years and older.
Mechanism: This vaccine contains a recombinant pre-fusion F protein combined with an adjuvant (AS01E) to boost the immune response. The adjuvant helps improve the vaccine's effectiveness, especially in older adults whose immune systems may not respond as robustly.
Efficacy: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Arexvy® provides 82.6% efficacy against RSV LRTI and 94.1% efficacy against severe cases among older adults(Green-book-chapter-27a-…). The protection lasts for at least two RSV seasons, making it a strong option for this vulnerable group.
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
The UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) provides guidelines on who should receive the RSV vaccine:
Pregnant Women: The Pfizer Abrysvo® vaccine is recommended for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. This protects the newborn for the first few months of life when they are most vulnerable to severe RSV infection.
Older Adults (75-79 years old): A one-off catch-up campaign for older adults aged 75 to 79 is recommended, followed by a routine program for those turning 75. Both Pfizer’s Abrysvo® and GSK’s Arexvy® are suitable for this group.
High-Risk Infants and Young Children: Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) is recommended for high-risk infants, while Palivizumab (Synagis®) is used when Nirsevimab is unavailable(Green-book-chapter-27a-…).
Conclusion: A New Era of Protection Against RSV
The development and implementation of RSV vaccines represent a major step forward in protecting vulnerable populations from this dangerous virus. By targeting different age groups with the most appropriate vaccine strategies, these immunization programs are expected to reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and deaths significantly. For parents, caregivers, and older adults, understanding these vaccine options is key to making informed decisions about RSV protection.
If you or your loved ones fall into any of the at-risk categories, speak to your healthcare provider about the RSV vaccine and how it could help protect against this common but potentially severe respiratory virus.
We are proud to provide private RSV vaccine at our pharmacy in Bath
You can book RSV vaccine through this link
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