RSV vaccination should extend to over-65s with chronic respiratory disease, JCVI says
Adults aged over 65 with chronic respiratory disease should be offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Government advisors have concluded.
A review by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) found that RSV vaccination should be offered to those aged 65 to 74 who have:
- chronic respiratory disease, including those with:
- poorly controlled asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- bronchiectasis
- cystic fibrosis
- interstitial lung fibrosis
- pneumoconiosis
- bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
The update comes after the committee recommended universal RSV vaccination for all those aged over 75 years.
As more data emerges on the effectiveness of the vaccine and the burden of disease in the UK, the JCVI turned its attention to younger ages who may be more at risk.
Their analysis found that across all adults with potentially high-risk conditions, mortality was concentrated in older adults.
In those aged 65 to 74 years, elevated mortality was most evident in those with immunosuppression and chronic respiratory disease, not including well controlled asthma.
Mortality rates were substantially lower in younger age groups, the JCVI said.
In adults aged 65 to 74 years with either immunosuppression or chronic respiratory disease, the analysis showed a monetary benefit – from avoiding hospitalisation and death – that exceeding that estimated in those aged 75 years and over.
A broader cost-effectiveness calculation that also took into account GP and emergency care also showed benefit.
The expert panel is continuing to review data on the potential impact and cost-effectiveness of RSV vaccination in adults with other underlying health conditions, as well as those aged 50-64 with chronic respiratory disease or immunosuppression, it said.
RSV vaccination began in England in September 2024, with an offer of immunisation to those 75 to 79 years before being extended this month to anyone over 80 years and all adults in a care home.
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