He is one of the protagonists of the so-called respiratory triad. Together with Sars-CoV2 and influenza, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plays a leading role in the set of flu-like syndromes that affect millions of Italians every season. But among the victims of RSV, two are particularly sensitive targets: children on the one hand and the elderly on the other. In fact, it is here, in these two population groups, that the virus – for most only a mild infection – causes more complications, with bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization, in some cases even hospitalization intensive care. But today, compared to past seasons, we have something more to combat this risk and actively protect the health of the elderly: a vaccine, or rather two. To the point that the time has come for experts to find resources to recommend and actively offer this prophylaxis to the most vulnerable population. And thus broaden protection against pneumonia and complications from RSV.
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The appeal to protect the most vulnerable
The Calendar for Life Board, made up of representatives of various scientific societies of paediatricians, hygienists and general practitioners. The appeal comes at the same time as the diffusion of a position paper in materia of vaccines against RSV, in which experts recall the burden of respiratory syncytial virus disease in adults and the elderly. Every year, in Italy alone there are – and these are probably underestimates – almost 300 thousand cases of acute respiratory infection and around 1,800 related deaths, they write.
Syncytial virus vaccine, the EU authorizes its marketing 25 August 2023
Two RSV vaccines approved, one on the way
Those most at risk are adults with chronic or pulmonary diseases, diabetes, immunocompromised patients, or those in long-term care facilities. For them today, after years of studies on vaccines that had not proven effective, we have two new products available (a third could arrive shortly): one monovalent and one bivalent (i.e. capable of offering protection against the two RSV-subgroups). A and RSV-B virus). Both have been approved only for the over 60 population and for pregnant women in the case of bivalent (so as to protect unborn children). The vaccines, recalled Paolo Bonanni, Scientific Coordinator of the Board, have shown an efficacy against RSV diseases of over 80% in the first season after vaccination. Protection which is partly maintained even in the following season, although it is not yet clear whether and how to use any booster doses, the experts add.
Syncytial virus, first European yes to vaccine for newborns and over 60s by Elena de Stabile 21 July 2023
Recommendations: for over 75s and over 60s with pathologies
“The Calendar for Life Board underlines how the recent availability of two effective and safe vaccines against the pathologies caused by the respiratory syncytial virus represents a preventive opportunity of great clinical value, as no valid preventive measure has been available so far, nor any specific therapy. From this perspective, vaccines against RSV constitute a response to a hitherto unmet medical need.” In their appeal openly addressed to the government, the Board’s experts ask that the vaccination strategy begin by recommending the vaccine in the over 75s and in the over 60s with chronic pathologies. In the meantime, obviously, it should be remembered that prevention against RSV and its complications, from bronchitis to pneumonia, is also achieved by continuing to follow the traditional hygiene and behavioral rules valid against all respiratory viruses.