Jan
13
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing this important announcement from the PA Department of Health (DOH).
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is rapidly increasing in PA, especially in young children and older adults who could be protected by vaccinations.RSV is a highly contagious virus causing acute respiratory infections across all age groups. It is a common cause of childhood illness and the leading reason for infant hospitalizations. Infection in infants and young children can progress to lower respiratory tract conditions such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, leading to emergency visits and hospitalizations.
Summary
- RSV activity is rising rapidly in Pennsylvania, especially among children under age five and adults aged 65 and older.
- RSV is a leading cause of severe respiratory illness, responsible for 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths annually among adults 65 years and older in the US.
- RSV vaccines (which are not annual) are recommended for pregnant people (32-36 weeks gestation), adults 60-74 years with certain health risks, and for everyone 75 and older.
- RSV vaccines demonstrate moderate to high efficacy in reducing morbidity and mortality especially in older adults.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all babies be protected from severe RSV by vaccinating pregnant individuals at 32-36 weeks gestational age or administering a long-acting monoclonal antibody to infants aged < 8 months entering their first RSV season and for those aged 8–19 months at increased risk for severe RSV infection.
Recommendations: