RSV Vaccine Uptake Lags Amid Confusion, but Hope Rises | Image Source: www.pharmacytimes.com
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 6, 2025 – Despite the approval and implementation of sincitial respiratory virus (SVR) vaccines for seniors across the United States and parts of the United Kingdom, recent results published in JAMA Network Open reveal a striking gap: widespread confusion and limited awareness persist in high-risk populations. However, in the midst of uncertainty, a layer of money has emerged – many unvaccinated people claim to be open to future VRS vaccination, suggesting an untapped potential to increase the protection of vulnerable groups.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), VRS is more than a common cold. It can lead to serious complications, particularly for the elderly, people with chronic diseases and residents of long-term care centres. To address these risks, the CDC recommends a single dose of any FDA-approved RSV vaccine – Arexvy (GSK), Abrysvo (Pfizer) or mRESVIA (Modern) – for all adults over 75 years of age and for adults between 60 and 74 years of age who are more vulnerable to serious diseases.
Why is VRS vaccination important for the elderly?
Respiratory syncitial virus is known to have caused seasonal waves of respiratory disease, particularly in autumn and winter. Although most recover within a week or two, seniors and those with weakened immune systems may suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis or even require hospitalization. As indicated by the CDC, a serious VV infection may be fatal for some elderly people, particularly those with heart or lung problems or compromised immunity. Yet, knowledge of the virus and its preventive vaccine remains surprisingly low.
In a cross-sectional study conducted by acute respiratory virus (AIV) researchers, 6,746 adults over 60 years of age hospitalized for respiratory diseases were investigated in 26 U.S. hospitals. The results were eye-opening: only 10.4% of participants reported being vaccinated against RSV, and almost half had never heard of the virus. In addition, more than 78% of unvaccinated individuals either did not know they were eligible for the vaccine or believed they were not eligible at all.
Who is most likely to receive the RSV vaccine?
Data from the study showed some key demographic trends. People over 75 were more likely to vaccinate than 23%. Men, those with lung disease and immunocompromised people are also more likely to be vaccinated. Other correlation factors include life in areas with low or moderate social vulnerability and at least secondary education. These associations suggest that awareness and access, often driven by socio-economic and educational factors, play an important role in vaccine use.
But who doesn’t vaccinate? People living in long-term care centres, often a priority group for other vaccines such as influenza, had lower RSV vaccination rates. In addition, individuals under Medicaid or without insurance were clearly under-represented among those vaccinated, which highlighted systemic gaps in awareness and access.
What do patients know or do not know about VVD?
That’s where it gets complicated and promises. Almost half of the unvaccinated respondents admitted that they had never heard of RSV or were not sure what it was. This is not only a missed public health opportunity; This is a sign that awareness campaigns have not hit their mark. According to JAMA, “Knowledge of RSV disease and eligibility for vaccination were lower among participants with low academic performance and those living in communities with high social vulnerability”
But it’s not all dark. By encouraging, 41.7% of unvaccinated adults indicated that they would consider receiving the vaccine in the future. This indicates a critical period of intervention: if appropriate education and access strategies are implemented, vaccination rates could improve considerably in the coming seasons.
How does the United Kingdom compare the VRS vaccination efforts?
Throughout the Atlantic, the UK approach provides valuable information. According to the first data reported by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), more than half of the eligible adults aged 75 to 79 in southwestern England have already received the RSV jab. It is not just a statistic, it is a desire for structured implementation and coordination of public health. The doctor. Lucy McCann, UKHSA Health Protection Consultant, said “the first data is really encouraging…there is 30% lower hospital income in the 75-79-year-old population that would have occurred without vaccination.”
This is a convincing result, which the United States could learn from. By actively encouraging the vaccination of elderly and pregnant mothers, the United Kingdom contributes not only to protecting the elderly population, but also indirectly to protecting newborns, another vulnerable group. In particular, 4 out of 10 pregnant women who gave birth in October 2024 had received the VRS vaccine.
What are the main barriers to access to the RSV vaccine?
According to the findings of the United States, several obstacles overlap:IdentificationThere is no awareness: Nearly half of the respondents did not know about the VSR.Accessibility Confuse: Most unvaccinated adults did not know whether they were eligible or expected to be eligible.” ” ” ” “” Access to health: Drug recipients and uninsured persons have reduced immunization rates.■
Understanding these barriers allows health systems to decipher, through better information campaigns, streamlined eligibility messages and access to communities with lower access.
How can future rates of VRS vaccination be improved?
From a public health perspective, the strategy must be multilayered. That’s what could make a real difference:IdentificationEmail: Simplify eligibility models and communicate them consistently through health channels.■ Extension: involve local leaders, community health workers and social service organisations in vaccine awareness, particularly in high-level areas.Health Care Provider Training: To equip primary care physicians, pharmacists and hospital exit planners with clear guidelines and educational materials to begin vaccine conversations.Navigation medium: To assist Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured persons in accessing the vaccine at no financial cost.■
Minister of Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton, optimistically highlighted the progress made in the UK: ”This safe, effective and free vaccine for pregnant women and the elderly already protects more than one million people from this potentially fatal disease. With 50% of the older eligible people now protected, we are making good progress, but I urge those who are eligible but have not yet advanced to be vaccinated.”
What does this mean for the 2025-2026 RSV season?
While the trends and attitudes revealed in the IVY study support, the United States has an opportunity, but also an urgent responsibility. By taking advantage of the opening of nearly half of the unvaccinated elderly and aligning their efforts with proven British models, vaccination rates can increase considerably. This could result in thousands fewer hospitalizations, especially among the most at risk.
The way forward requires targeted action, clearer communication and an equity approach. As indicated in the publication of the JAMA Open Network, monitoring of immunization results in future seasons will be essential. The first year of VRS vaccine availability revealed both the cracks in the system and the enormous opportunity to park them. Public health officials, health care providers and community advocates now need to turn this moment of consciousness into action.
In short, the use of RSV vaccines in seniors remains low, not because of resistance, but because of confusion and lack of information. Many are open to vaccination, providing a golden opportunity for health systems to intervene, inform and protect before the next RSV season.
