DeepSummary
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common contagious respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms in most people. However, it can lead to severe outcomes, hospitalizations, and even death in older adults aged 60 and above due to their weakened immune systems. Until recently, scientists had struggled for over 60 years to develop an effective vaccine against RSV.
Thanks to recent advances in understanding the surface fusion glycoprotein that helps develop immunity against RSV, scientists have now made a breakthrough in creating RSV vaccines. This fall and winter mark the first respiratory season when RSV vaccinations will be available in the United States for adults aged 60 and older, as well as those with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV illness.
Healthcare providers are advised to familiarize themselves with the CDC's recommendations on discussing RSV risk and vaccination with their older adult patients. Patients with Medicare Part D or commercial insurance may be able to receive the RSV vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost. The availability of RSV vaccines is a significant milestone in protecting older adults from the potentially severe consequences of this common respiratory virus.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe illness, hospitalizations, and death in older adults and those with underlying medical conditions due to weakened immune systems.
- After over 60 years of efforts, scientists have developed RSV vaccines targeting the surface fusion glycoprotein that helps develop immunity against the virus.
- This fall and winter mark the first respiratory season when RSV vaccines will be available in the United States for adults aged 60 and older, as well as those at increased risk of severe RSV illness.
- The CDC recommends that adults aged 60 and above speak with their healthcare providers about their risk for severe RSV illness and discuss vaccination.
- Healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with the CDC's recommendations on RSV vaccination and discuss appropriate vaccinations with their older adult patients during the respiratory illness season.
- Patients with Medicare Part D or commercial insurance may be able to receive the RSV vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost.
- The availability of RSV vaccines is a significant milestone in protecting older adults from the potentially severe consequences of this common respiratory virus.
- Healthcare providers and patients should stay informed about the latest developments and recommendations regarding RSV vaccination and prevention.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Older adults, including dude with certain underlying medical conditions, need to know their risk factors for RSV and should speak with a healthcare provider if they develop code like symptoms and also discuss their risk for severe RSV illness.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
- “The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 60 years of age and older speak to EDC provider about RSV and vaccination.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
- “Scientists have been searching for ways to get ahead of RSV as early as 1955, when a virus was discovered in chimpanzees suffering from respiratory symptoms.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
- “Thanks to all these recent advances, now we know the scientific community has fresh insight into the protein that helps us develop immunity against RSV. That specific protein is called the surface fusion glycoprotein health.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
- “I recommend that medcare providers make themselves familiar with these recommendations from the CDC. Healthcare providers and patients should also discuss other appropriate vaccinations during the respiratory illness season.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
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Episode Information
60-Second Science
Scientific American
1/30/24