New Study Shows RSV Vaccine Effective for Older Adults Over Three Seasons

A recent international study has found that a single dose of a new RSV vaccine, called RSVPreF3 OA, can protect adults aged 60 and older from serious lung infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for up to three seasons. 

The study involved over 24,000 older adults across 17 countries and tested how well the vaccine worked compared to a placebo (a harmless, inactive substance). The results showed that one dose of the vaccine reduced the risk of RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD) by about 63% over three RSV seasons. It also worked well against both major types of the virus—RSV A and RSV B. 

JoinAStudy.ca would like to congratulate Principal Investigators Dr Peter Dzongowski, Dr Michael Jones and Dr Sean Peterson, whose efforts were crucial in gathering the data necessary to arrive at these conclusions. The study participants and coordinator teams at their research sites also deserve acknowledgment and thanks for providing their valuable time and effort.      

The vaccine remained effective for people aged 60 to 79, including those with health conditions that increase their risk for severe RSV illness. However, the protection did decrease gradually over time. 

Some participants received a second vaccine dose a year later, but their protection levels were similar to those who only had one shot. This means one dose may be enough for most people, though researchers say more studies are needed to find the best long-term strategy. 

In terms of safety, very few people had serious side effects from the vaccine, and these were spread evenly across the vaccine and placebo groups. Five deaths were possibly linked to the trial—three in the vaccine groups and two in the placebo group. 

Overall, this vaccine offers a promising new way to protect older adults from RSV, a common virus that can cause dangerous lung problems. 

You can find the full journal article on The Lancet, here.