Sarah Bennett
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms but can be serious, especially for older adults and infants. RSV vaccines have been approved for older adults, and CVS has announced that it is preparing to offer the RSV vaccine for older adults. The CDC recommends eligible adults receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine, which can help prevent severe illness and lung infections due to RSV.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CVS offering RSV vaccine for adults | Preparing to offer in the coming weeks |
| Age recommendation | Adults 50 and over; 60 and older; 65 and older |
| Number of doses | Single dose |
| Cost | No cost with most insurance |
| Effectiveness | Pfizer's shot is 85.7% effective; GSK's shot was 94% effective |
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What You'll Learn
CVS is preparing to offer the RSV vaccine for older adults
CVS is preparing to offer the RSV vaccine to older adults in the coming weeks, according to a company spokesperson. This comes as the first RSV season in which older adults have the option to get vaccinated against the virus.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms but can be serious, especially for older adults and infants. RSV usually clears within one to two weeks, but it can lead to more severe infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The virus is spread through direct contact and by touching contaminated surfaces.
The CDC recommends that eligible adults receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine to help prevent severe illness and lung infections. Research has shown that the vaccines can help prevent serious RSV-related lung infections in adults aged 60 and older with healthy immune systems. The RSV vaccines help the body create an immune response against the virus, and their effectiveness varies from person to person.
Pfizer's RSV vaccine, called Abrysvo, was found to be 86% effective against severe illness in older adults during their first RSV season after vaccination. The vaccine's efficacy declined slightly to 78.6% about 18 months after vaccination. GSK's vaccine, Arexvy, was shown to be 94% effective against severe RSV disease in the patient's first season after vaccination, with a slight decline to 78.8% after two seasons.
Despite the availability and effectiveness of the vaccines, uptake among older adults has been low. As of December 2023, only about 15% of Americans over 60 had received one of the two new RSV shots. This is partly due to the newness of the vaccine and the need for more persuasive public health messaging about seasonal vaccinations.
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The CDC recommends eligible adults receive a single dose
The CDC recommends that eligible adults receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be serious, especially in older adults, infants, and those with underlying health conditions. The virus can lead to severe infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and it is associated with high healthcare costs and a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths among older adults.
The CDC's recommendation for a single dose of the RSV vaccine aims to provide protection against serious illness caused by the virus. The vaccine helps prevent severe lower respiratory tract disease and lung infections due to RSV. Clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is highly effective, with GSK's vaccine providing 94% protection against severe illness, and Pfizer's vaccine being 85.7% effective.
The CDC's recommendation is particularly important for adults aged 60 and above, as they are at an increased risk of severe illness from RSV. In addition, women who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant during September through January are advised to get one dose of the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies. This recommendation reflects the understanding that RSV can be dangerous for infants, who are also at risk of serious illness.
While the RSV vaccine is an important tool in preventing severe illness, it is important to note that uptake among older adults has been relatively low. This may be due to various factors, including the newness of the vaccine, inconsistent insurance coverage, and the need for shared decision-making between patients and their healthcare providers. However, with the CDC's recommendation and the availability of the vaccine at pharmacies such as CVS, it is hoped that more eligible adults will take advantage of this protection against RSV.
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RSV vaccines are inconsistently covered by insurance carriers
CVS Pharmacy offers the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for adults. The CDC recommends a single dose of any FDA-licensed RSV vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50–74 at increased risk of severe RSV. However, the RSV vaccine is not consistently covered by insurance carriers.
While CVS advertises that the RSV vaccine is available at no cost with most insurance plans, some people have reported being unexpectedly charged for the vaccine. This discrepancy may be due to the fact that the RSV vaccine for older adults has only recently entered the commercial market, and some insurance companies have not yet updated their policies to include it in their covered vaccines. As a result, individuals without Medicare may find that their insurance plan does not cover the cost of the RSV vaccine, leading to unexpected charges.
It is important to note that the insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine may vary depending on the insurance carrier and the specific plan. Some insurance plans, such as Medicare Advantage plans with Part D, fully cover the cost of the RSV vaccine at in-network providers and pharmacies. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans without Part D do not cover the RSV vaccine. Additionally, people with certain private insurance plans may find that the vaccine is fully covered, while others may have to bear the cost themselves.
To avoid unexpected charges, it is recommended to contact your insurance carrier beforehand to confirm whether the RSV vaccine is covered under your specific plan. By doing so, you can understand your insurance coverage and make an informed decision about getting the vaccine. It is also advisable to check with multiple insurance carriers, as coverage may vary. Additionally, individuals can consider exploring other options, such as the Oregon Health Plan, which provides coverage for the RSV vaccine regardless of the location it is offered.
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RSV vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness
CVS is preparing to offer the RSV vaccine for older adults. The CDC recommends that eligible adults receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine to protect against serious RSV illness.
Pfizer's RSV vaccine was 85.7% effective at preventing more severe lower respiratory tract disease during the patient's first RSV season after vaccination. The shot's efficacy declined slightly to 78.6% about 18 months after vaccination. GSK's RSV vaccine was 94% effective against severe RSV disease in the patient's season after vaccination, and its efficacy declined to about 78.8% after two RSV seasons. Nirsevimab was 79% effective against RSV medically attended lower respiratory tract illness and 80% effective at preventing hospitalization.
For adults 60 or older with certain underlying conditions or other risk factors, RSV can cause serious illness. Those with chronic medical conditions such as lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurologic or neuromuscular conditions, kidney disorders, liver disorders, diabetes, or moderate or severe immune compromise are good candidates for the RSV vaccination. RSV is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in infants and severe disease and hospitalizations in older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions.
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RSV vaccines are available at select Walgreens locations
As of August 2023, CVS is preparing to offer the RSV vaccine for older adults in the coming weeks. However, RSV vaccines are currently available at select Walgreens locations. The Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccines, made by Pfizer and GSK, last spring. Walgreens is offering both Pfizer's and GSK's shots, administered as a single dose.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and above, especially those with compromised immune systems due to chronic conditions. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, older adults, infants, and young children are more susceptible to severe infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV results in the hospitalization of 60,000–160,000 older adults and causes 6,000–10,000 deaths in this age group annually in the United States.
The availability of RSV vaccines at Walgreens varies by state, age, and health conditions. People aged 60 and above can schedule an appointment through the Walgreens app, website, phone, or by visiting their local pharmacy. However, it's important to note that Walgreens pharmacies are not yet authorized to administer RSV vaccines in DC, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York.
The Pfizer shot has shown an effectiveness of 85.7% in preventing severe lower respiratory tract disease during the first RSV season after vaccination, with a slight decline to 78.6% efficacy about 18 months later. On the other hand, the GSK shot demonstrated 94% effectiveness against severe RSV disease in the first season, decreasing to approximately 78.8% after two RSV seasons.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if the RSV vaccine is suitable for your specific needs and to stay updated with the latest vaccine information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, CVS is preparing to offer the RSV vaccine for older adults. The CDC recommends eligible adults receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and over, and especially those 60 and older. It is also recommended for infants under 2, and women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Clinical trials have shown that the GSK RSV vaccine was 94% effective against severe illness in older adults. The Pfizer RSV vaccine was 85.7% effective at preventing severe lower respiratory tract disease during the patient's first RSV season after vaccination, and 78.6% effective 18 months after vaccination.
