Finally there is an RSV vaccine for adults – here are 9 things that doctors want you to know
The syncytial respiratory virus, or RSV, is a superior respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, especially for the elderly and infants. But for the first time, there is a vaccine that offers significant protection.
The newly deployed RSV vaccines are available now, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend them for adults over the age of 60 and speakers.
“RSV cases are already starting to stand in hospitals,” said Mary Hopkins, MD, director of the Infectious Clinic Diseases Clinic at the Medical Center tuffs in Boston, Massachusetts.
So, if you are in one of these vulnerable groups, the sooner you get your shot, the better.
And if you want more information before rolling up your round, read the rest. Here’s what experts in infectious diseases want you to know about the RSV vaccine for adults.
1. Obtain Vaxxed can help you avoid hospitalization, especially if you have an underlying condition
The RSV generally causes light and cold symptoms for younger and healthy adults. But those over 60 are more likely to develop serious complications (such as pneumonia) that could land in the hospital, says the CDC.
“Last fall and winter were particularly bad. Among the elderly, we had around 160,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths due to RSV,” said Dr. Hopkins.
Having an underlying condition can make you particularly sensitive to RSV problems. It is therefore particularly important to be vaccinated if you suffer from “lung, heart or kidney disease or diabetes”, explains Carlene Muto, MD, medical director of prevention and control of temple health infections in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The vaccine has been shown to be more than 80% to help people completely avoid the RSV, according to the CDC. And if you end up becoming sick, it will maintain your chances of low complications.
“You can still get sick, but you will have a much softer case,” said Dr. Muto.
2. The speakers should be vaccinated in the third trimester
RSV is not only for the elderly. People who will be pregnant 32 to 36 weeks between September and January should also calm down, according to the CDC.
Vaccination during pregnancy (at least two weeks before childbirth) provides additional protection to newborns, which have a high risk of RSV complications, notes Dr. Muto.
In fact, obtaining Vaxxed against RSV during pregnancy can reduce the risk of hospitalization of an infant by 57% in the first six months after birth, according to the CDC.
3. The vaccine will not make you sick
The RSV vaccine is a recombinant protein vaccine, which means that it exposes your immune system to a tiny amount of virus protein (similar to seasonal flu).
Because you are only exposed to a small “piece” of the virus, you can’t really get sick from the RSV. On the contrary, the vaccine helps your immune system to familiarize itself with the virus, it is therefore better equipped to fight it if and when you meet the real thing, according to the CDC.
Because your immune system is activated, however, you may experience side effects – more about it.
4. Side effects are generally light
Some people avoid seasonal vaccines for fear of unpleasant side effects. But if you are at high risk of serious complications from RSV, the protection you will get from the shooting is well worth a day or two of light discomfort, according to experts.
“The side effects are similar to other vaccines. You can get a sore arm, redness at the injection site, joint pain or a headache,” said Dr. Muto.
The CDC also lists fatigue, fever, nausea and diarrhea as possible side effects, but note them should not last more than a few days.
Your doctor can help you determine if you are more likely to get a severe RSV depending on things like your age, your state of health and the probability that you are exposed to the virus, so it is better to have a conversation with them if you are not sure.
5. It was tested for safety
Like all vaccines, RSV vaccines have been rigorously tested in clinical trials and have been approved by the FDA before being put on the market. So you can trust that it is sure, say the experts.
A very small number of serious undesirable events have been reported in clinical trials, including serious allergic reactions and neurological Guillaine bar syndrome (GBS). However, it is not clear if the vaccine caused these events or if they were random, notes Dr. Muto.
Among those pregnant, there were also some cases of reported preeclampsia or severe high blood pressure. But again, the studies could not determine if it was really due to the vaccine.
However, these events are not a reason to avoid being vaccinated. If you are at high risk of severe RSV, the protective advantages of the shooting are much higher than the potential risks of very rare side effects, according to Yale medicine.
But again, if you are concerned about the serious side effects, talk to your doctor to determine if the photo suits you.
6. There are two vaccines, and you can get one
Similar to PFIZER and MODERNA shots for COVID, there are two different vaccines available for RSV: Arexvy, manufactured by GSK and Abrysvo, manufactured by PFIZER, note the CDC% 2C% 20and% 20as01E% 20adjuvant.).
They are almost equal in terms of protection they offer, says Dr. Hopkins, so there is no need to worry about obtaining the “best”.
“I would receive the one you can get your hands on,” she said.
7. You can get it with your flu and / or a coche
If you try to save on several trips to the pharmacy or the doctor’s office, it is good to get you pulled with RSV with your seasonal flu vaccine. Just know that your side effects could be a little more than if you get both strokes separately, notes Dr. Muto. “Fever and pain on the injection site can be increased,” she says.
The RSV vaccine has not been studied alongside the COVVI-19 vaccine, so experts cannot say with certainty if it is an intelligent decision to obtain both strokes at the same time. If you are on the closing of the timing, talk to your doctor.
“If it is difficult to come back and get your vaccine covers another day, get them the same day,” recommends Dr. Hopkins.
8. You will be protected for two seasons
A blow should cover you for the 2023-2024 And 2024-2025 seasons of colds and flu, notes of the American Medical Association (AMA).
So if you get your shot now, you will not have to worry about getting another before fall 2025.
9. If you are not sure, weigh the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor
Although the RSV vaccine (and other seasonal shots) is generally an intelligent decision for adults over 60 years of age and pregnant people, no vaccine is good for everyone. For example, you may want to avoid if you have had an allergic reaction to past vaccinations, says the CDC.
The best way to decide what suits you? Have a conversation with your doctor.
“Health care providers can take into account multiple factors when the VRS vaccination is discussion with patients, especially if the patient has severe RSV disease factors, the safety profile of VRS vaccine products and patient preferences for VRS vaccination,” said Dr. Muto.
How and where to get the RSV vaccine for adults
RSV vaccines are now widely available in local pharmacies, public health clinics and doctor’s offices, according to the CDC, you should therefore be vaccinated where you are most practical for you.
If you choose to shoot a pharmacy, consult your doctor first. Some states may need a prescription for pharmacy vaccines, notes the CDC. If this is the case for your condition, you will want to get your RX before heading for the pharmacy.
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