Crookston –‘Tis the season for a triple threat of respiratory illnesses: Influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Fortunately, there are vaccines to protect the population from these illnesses, including a first-ever for RSV. The influenza vaccination has been available since the 1940s, and a vaccine for COVID-19 was approved in 2020. While scientists began working on a vaccine for RSV in the 1960s, it wasn’t until earlier this year that the first one-dose RSV vaccination was approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The RSV vaccine is now available at RiverView Health.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While RSV can cause illness in people of all ages, it can be severe for infants and older adults.
While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be severe, resulting in shortness of breath and low oxygen levels. RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia, as well as lead to worsening of other medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure. Infants up to 12 months of age (especially those six months and younger) and children who were born prematurely or who have chronic lung or heart disease or a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe RSV.
Adults at highest risk for severe RSV include older adults, adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, or certain other underlying medical conditions, or those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for
- Adults 60 years and older have determined with their primary care provider that the vaccination is appropriate. A prescription is needed to receive the vaccine.
- Pregnant women between 32-36 weeks gestation in September through January (to help protect the newborn from severe RSV from birth through six months of age).
- Newborns and babies under one year of age are born during their first RSV season (generally November to March), and children up to 24 months remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
Julie Zimmel, vaccination coordinator at RiverView, reported that obtaining the vaccine for children had been challenging due to high demand and production issues. However, RiverView currently has a small amount of the vaccine and is working to procure an additional supply as it becomes available.
All patients must visit their primary care provider to determine if the vaccine is right for them and get a prescription. Zimmel reported that those with Medicare need to be vaccinated at their pharmacy, as the vaccine is covered through their Part D or drug benefit plan.
As of October 1, the vaccine had seen steady utilization. According to reports,
- Over 35,000 Minnesotans 60 years and older received one RSV vaccine dose.
- The average age of vaccine recipients was 74.
- 6% were receiving their RSV vaccine at a pharmacy.
The RiverView Pharmacy has the vaccine available for eligible Medicare patients. The RSV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss the RSV, call RiverView Health at 281.9595.
