Examining the Evidence for Emerging Vaccines to Prevent RSV-Related Complications in Older Adults

This activity includes Immunization credit, patient counseling videos, and Pharmacy SoundScripts audio narration.

Note: It is important for pharmacists to stay updated on new data and vaccination recommendations. On June 21, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend approved respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in adults aged 60 years and older using shared clinical decision making. This article has been updated to reflect this recommendation and other data updates.

Program Description

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that primarily presents as upper respiratory infection but can develop in a significant number of patients as lower respiratory tract illness with complications including hospitalization and death. The risk of RSV complications is increased in adults aged 50 years and older, and without an FDA-approved treatment for RSV, pharmacists should advise patients of supportive care and prevention strategies including vaccination. This article will review clinical safety and efficacy data of RSV vaccine candidates currently in development and recently approved for the older adult population. Factors contributing to disparities in adult vaccination rates and the role of the pharmacist in sharing evidence-based information about emerging vaccines and providing counseling and education to address barriers to vaccination will also be examined through patient counseling video vignettes. This article is additionally available as a recorded audiobook.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 31, 2023
Expiration date: August 31, 2024

Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the significant burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults, route of transmission, and high-risk populations
• Examine the available safety and efficacy data of recent FDA-approved Breakthrough Therapy Designated vaccines and emerging RSV vaccines, mechanisms of action, administration, and clinical benefits
• Explore the role of the pharmacist in implementing effective measures to educate patients about the risks of RSV