Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, reviews the pivotal findings from the AReSVi-006 trial that supported the approval of the adjuvanted RSV vaccine, including its efficacy in preventing lower respiratory tract RSV, associated adverse events, and important study limitations that may have influenced the results.

Data show that among individuals 60 years and older, the estimated rate of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after receiving an RSV vaccine was 5.0 and 1.5 per million doses of Abrysvo and Arexvy, respectively.

The 4-in-1 respiratory diagnostic test is either a single nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab that can confirm or rule out SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus with a single test.

The expanded indication is for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 50 through 59 years who are at an increased risk.

A single dose of the vaccine showed long-lasting protection against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in older adults.

This is Moderna's second mRNA vaccine approval and the first mRNA vaccine approved for an indication other than COVID-19.

The study compares the safety and efficacy of mRNA-1345 compared to placebo.

Tools provide a safer testing option without using the viral proteins that cause infection.

The panelists provide guidance on how pharmacists should advise patients on recognizing RSV symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

Medical experts highlight the importance of clinical decision-making and the pivotal role pharmacies play in initiating conversations and identifying high-risk patients during consultations for new medications.

The results showed that during a 1-month hospital stay, 13% of individuals who experienced RSV-associated acute respiratory failure died.

The panelists address the challenges of administering multiple vaccines to eligible patients, while also discussing the timing and compatibility of administering certain vaccines simultaneously. They emphasize the importance of being receptive to patient concerns and providing guidance on childhood vaccinations for hesitant individuals.

Lauren Angelo, PharmD, MBA, acknowledges the progress made in RSV vaccinations but emphasizes the persistent need to educate at-risk patients about the advantages of vaccination, citing data indicating that many patients are willing to get vaccinated but may require encouragement, and concurs that the lack of physician referral remains a crucial barrier to improving vaccination rates among high-risk groups.

Medical professionals explore social determinants of health, including access to and quality of health care, information sources, community context, and built environment, while also examining the influence of race, ethnicity, language on these factors.

The panelists define vaccine fatigue and identify its primary causes as confusing messaging and the high number of annual vaccinations suggested, emphasizing that the most effective way to combat this fatigue is by tailoring the vaccine information and recommendations to the individual patient's specific needs.

Addressing the long-term effects of RSV in older adults is crucial for public health and patient care.

Prevention of acute cardiac events may be another consideration for future postlicensure studies of RSV vaccines.

Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, SM, SV, MB (ASCP), FACSc, leads a discussion on contraindications for vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction history, acute illness with or without fever, and the optimal timing for vaccination during pregnancy.

Panelists compare the currently available RSV vaccines for adults, considering their target populations, dosing, and administration to prevent RSV infection.

The severity of RSV disease among adults further highlights how crucial vaccine polices and recommendations are.

The results displayed well tolerability and safety with Abrysvo, meeting the study’s co-primary endpoint of immunogenicity and primary safety

Investigators reported a low incidence of adverse events after simultaneous vaccination against seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

Calder’s 3D Vaxlock technology attained 11 times more effective immune response, compared to typical comparator.

The adjuvanted RSVPreF3 vaccine could prevent nearly 3 million symptomatic RSV-ARI cases among US older adults over 3 years’ time, according to study results.

Shared decision making with patients is a key component of RSV vaccination, which can bring challenges and opportunities.

The at-home test offers the availability to assess for all viruses using one tool.

Only 9% of older adults who reside in the United States had been vaccinated to protect themselves from RSV this fall and winter.

The finding highlighted the importance of RSV risks among older adults, and aids pharmacists’ awareness when patients are hesitant to receive the RSV vaccine.

The updated indication for the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is for adults aged 50 to 59 with underlying conditions who are at an increased risk of contracting the virus.

The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for all adults aged 60 years and older.