A recent multi-state study published in The Lancet has revealed compelling evidence regarding the effectiveness of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in protecting older adults against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. This analysis is one of the first of its kind focusing on real-world data following the approval of the RSV vaccine in the United States.

Vaccine Effectiveness Among Older Adults

The findings from the VISION Network researchers highlighted that RSV vaccination provided approximately 80% protection against severe disease and hospitalization for adults aged 60 and older. This significant protection extends to cases of Intensive Care Unit admission and death due to respiratory infections.

Particularly concerning was the fact that individuals aged 75 and older were identified as the group at highest risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization. The study's participants included individuals with varying health conditions, including those with immunocompromising ailments.

Study Collaboration and Methodology

This study was a collaborative effort between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various geographically diverse healthcare systems within the U.S., all integrated into the CDC's VISION Network. These systems enabled comprehensive access to medical, laboratory, and vaccination records, ultimately allowing for a robust assessment of vaccine effectiveness.

"Unlike previous studies, our analysis used the power of big data to directly address the effectiveness of the RSV vaccine against severe outcomes, a vital piece of information needed to inform vaccine policy." – Dr. Shaun Grannis, co-author of the study.

RSV and Its Impact on Older Adults

RSV is known to affect the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to significant morbidity and mortality among older adults during seasonal epidemics. In fact, prior to the availability of the RSV vaccine, the CDC estimated that between 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000 to 10,000 deaths associated with RSV occurred annually among U.S. adults aged 65 years and older.

Vaccine Efficacy Comparisons

According to study co-author Dr. Brian Dixon, the observed 80% vaccine effectiveness rate is impressive, especially when compared to the effectiveness seen in vaccines for other diseases. For instance, the effectiveness rates for influenza vaccines often hover around 50% to 60% in similar populations.

Metric RSV Vaccine Effectiveness Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness
Severe Disease Prevention ~80% ~60%
Hospitalization Prevention ~80% ~50%
Overall Effectiveness ~80% ~50% to 60%

Economic Implications

Dr. Dixon has also pointed out the economic burden of RSV-related hospitalizations, estimating that the annual costs in the U.S. range between $1.2 billion to $5 billion. With the prevention of up to 80% of these hospitalizations linked to RSV vaccination, there is potential for significant savings for both consumers and the healthcare system.

Geographical Diversity of the Study

The study included data from various participating VISION sites, which were:

  • Permanente Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
  • University of Colorado (Colorado)
  • Intermountain Healthcare (Utah)
  • Regenstrief Institute (Indiana)
  • HealthPartners (Minnesota and Wisconsin)
  • Kaiser Permanente Northern California (California)

These sites together represent 230 hospitals and 245 emergency departments, contributing to a comprehensive evaluation of the RSV vaccine's efficacy.

Conclusion and Recommendations

As the respiratory disease season commences in late September and continues through March or early April in the U.S., Dr. Grannis emphasizes the importance of vaccination, urging older adults to adhere to CDC guidelines regarding the RSV vaccine.

References

[1] Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine effectiveness against RSV-associated hospitalisations and emergency department encounters among adults aged 60 years and older in the USA, October, 2023, to March, 2024: a test-negative design analysis, The Lancet (2024).

[2] Lifespan.io