CDC advisors broaden RSV vaccine recommendations to at-risk adults in their 50s

Title

CDC Panel Expands RSV Vaccine Recommendations to High-Risk Adults Aged 50–59

Keywords

RSV vaccine
CDC recommendations
ACIP
At-risk adults
Ages 50–59
Respiratory syncytial virus
Arexvy
Vaccine policy
Chronic conditions
Immunization guidelines

Key Facts

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to recommend RSV vaccination for adults aged 50–59 who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, expanding previous guidance that covered only those aged 60 and above in risk groups and all adults 75 and older1 5 10.
This expansion would apply to nearly one-third of adults in the 50–59 age range, according to CDC data5.
FDA has already approved GSK’s Arexvy for use in high-risk adults aged 50–59, with results showing immunogenicity and safety profiles similar to those in older adults; Pfizer’s Abrysvo is also approved for some younger adults6 7 10.
Adults at increased risk for severe RSV typically have chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, diabetes with end-organ damage, severe obesity, advanced kidney or liver disorders, and certain neurological or neuromuscular conditions1 9.
Clinical studies indicate that the Arexvy vaccine reduces the incidence of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease for up to two RSV seasons, with durable protection lasting over 17 months in older adults6.
The CDC will publish detailed clinical guidance specifying which chronic conditions and risk factors should prompt vaccination in this new age group1.
The vaccine is administered as a single intramuscular dose and is not currently recommended for annual administration2 3 6.
The decision to broaden recommendations comes as post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor rare adverse events, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, and as real-world effectiveness data accumulate6 9.
There remains ongoing discussion about broader use in adults ages 50–59 and in other age groups as more effectiveness and safety data become available3 7.