JAMA

RSV vaccine reduces hospitalization risk in older adults over two seasons

September 8, 2025

Study details: A multicenter, test-negative, case-control study evaluated 6,958 adults ≥60 years hospitalized with acute respiratory illness across 26 U.S. hospitals during the 2023–2025 RSV seasons. RSV cases were confirmed by respiratory virus testing; controls tested negative for RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was assessed for those receiving a single RSV vaccine dose ≥14 days before illness onset, with stratification by timing of vaccination (same vs. prior season) and by comorbidity status.

Results: Overall VE against RSV-associated hospitalization was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 45–68%) across two seasons. VE was higher for same-season vaccination (69%; 95% CI, 52–81%) compared with prior-season vaccination (48%; 95% CI, 27–63%). Effectiveness was significantly reduced in immunocompromised adults (30%; 95% CI, –9% to 55%) vs. immunocompetent (67%; 95% CI, 53–77%), and in those with CVD (56%; 95% CI, 32–72%) vs. without (80%; 95% CI, 62–90%).

Clinical impact: RSV vaccination provides moderate protection against hospitalization in older adults, with diminished effectiveness in immunocompromised and cardiovascular disease populations. These findings support current vaccination recommendations and underscore the need for ongoing evaluation of revaccination strategies.

Source:

Surie D, et al; Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY) Network. (2025, August 30). JAMA. RSV Vaccine Effectiveness Against Hospitalization Among US Adults Aged 60 Years or Older During 2 Seasons. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40884491/