CDC Panel Recommends Expanded RSV Vaccination for Adults and Teens

ATLANTA (AP) — A federal advisory panel of medical experts recommended on Wednesday the expansion of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations for adults, as well as a new combination vaccine aimed at protecting adolescents against meningitis. The 15-member panel, which typically advises the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is focusing on preventive measures amid rising concerns about these viruses.

The recommendation comes as hospitals across the United States prepare for what many anticipate could be a challenging flu and respiratory virus season. The CDC’s panel met to evaluate the efficacy and necessity of broader vaccination protocols in light of recent RSV outbreaks, particularly affecting older adults.

“Vaccination is a critical tool in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with RSV, especially in vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, a member of the advisory panel. “The expansion of the vaccination program will provide added protection to those most susceptible.”

RSV, primarily known for affecting young children, has also shown to cause severe illness in older adults, leading to increased hospitalizations. Health data indicates that the virus contributes to nearly 177,000 hospitalizations in adults over the age of 65 annually, a statistic the panel cited as justification for their recommendation.

In conjunction with the RSV effort, the newly recommended meningitis vaccine aims to offer comprehensive coverage for teenagers, who are at heightened risk for certain strains of meningitis as they transition into their high school years. The combination shot is expected to be available by next fall, pending approval from the CDC.

Panel member Dr. Lisa Tran emphasized the importance of these updated vaccine offerings: “By enabling broader access to vaccination, we can mitigate the risk of outbreaks and protect our communities from preventable diseases.”

The decision comes after extensive research and recent findings that indicate a significant uptick in RSV cases, reinforcing the need for public health initiatives aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The panel will reconvene next month to review additional data on vaccine efficacy and finalize its guidelines.