The issue
A single‑dose prefusion‑F RSV vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) cut laboratory‑confirmed RSV lower‑respiratory‑tract disease in adults ≥ 60 by 82.6 % and severe cases by 94.1 % compared with placebo during one season; it also reduced any RSV acute respiratory infection by 71.7 %.
What do I need to know?
More than 24,000 older adults on five continents took part in the phase‑3 AReSVi‑006 trial. A single intramuscular 0.5 mL dose containing 120 µg prefusion‑F antigen plus the AS01ᴱ adjuvant protected across RSV subtypes A and B and in people with co‑existing illnesses. Local pain and transient fatigue were common, but serious or immune‑mediated events remained similar to placebo, confirming an acceptable safety profile.
Potential risk of severe RSV infection
Community‑dwelling older adult without major lung or heart disease.
Recommended Actions
Check daily Air Quality Index and seasonal RSV forecasts.
Maintain vaccinations for influenza and Covid‑19.
Ask the clinician whether RSVPreF3 OA will be stocked before winter.
Imminent risk of severe RSV infection
Age ≥ 75 or age 60–74 with COPD, heart failure, diabetes, or frailty.
Recommended Actions
Prioritize vaccination before local RSV season; keep a log of any arm soreness or fatigue.
Arrange tele‑visits or quick triage plans for cough and dyspnea during RSV peaks.
Review inhaler technique and ensure rescue medications are on hand.
Confirmed high‑risk situation
Recent RSV hospitalization, chronic oxygen use, or immunosuppression.
Recommended Actions
Receive RSVPreF3 OA promptly (single dose) unless contraindicated; schedule follow‑up within a month to report side‑effects.
Update pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to prevent bacterial or viral co‑infections.
Create a rapid‑response plan with the care team for early antiviral or supportive therapy if RSV symptoms recur.
What can I do?
Ask the doctor, “Am I at potential, imminent, or confirmed RSV risk, and should I get this prefusion‑F vaccine?” Bring your medication list and any lung‑function data. After vaccination, note mild reactions (pain, fatigue) for a couple of days and report unusual bruising, wheeze, or lasting fever right away. Caregivers can help arrange transport for the single appointment, remind loved ones to hydrate and rest if mild reactions appear, and ensure other seasonal vaccines stay current.
