The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended lowering the age for RSV vaccine eligibility to include high-risk adults aged 50 to 59. If approved by the CDC, this would expand access to vaccines from GSK and Pfizer, with Moderna’s vaccine potentially included upon FDA approval. A CDC cost analysis suggests vaccinating selected individuals in this age group could be cost-effective, particularly for those with conditions like heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The committee also endorsed a new meningococcal vaccine from GSK and a chikungunya vaccine from Bavarian Nordic. Additionally, they adjusted recommendations for another chikungunya vaccine due to reported side effects in older adults. Concerns remain about the frequency of required doses and potential Guillain-Barré syndrome risks associated with certain RSV vaccines. — new from statnews.com
