RSV vaccine cuts elderly hospitalizations by 75% in US study

A real‑world analysis of more than 2.5 million people in the United States compared about 520 000 recipients of the Arexvy RSV vaccine with roughly 2 million unvaccinated adults between August 2023 and May 2024. The vaccinated group experienced a 75.6 % drop in RSV‑related hospital admissions, 79.1 % fewer severe hospitalizations, and a 66.8 % reduction in deaths. Among those who were still hospitalized, vaccinated patients had 63.1 % fewer serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

The data were presented by GSK at the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Foundation conference. Brazilian health officials note that RSV now accounts for over a third of respiratory virus cases in the first half of the year, with seniors being the second‑most affected group after infants. In Brazil, the public system provides the vaccine only to pregnant women, while two RSV vaccines are approved for private‑sector use in adults. The Brazilian Society of Immunizations recommends vaccination for all individuals over 70 and for those aged 60‑70 with risk factors.