- Stiko recommends vaccination against RS virus for the elderly
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for people aged 75 and older. The vaccination is also recommended for people aged 60 and older with risk factors for the respiratory disease, as announced by the Robert Koch Institute. STIKO recommends a single vaccination before the RSV season as the standard vaccination using the active ingredients Arexvy and Abrysvo. The RSV season typically lasts from October to March.
The goal is to reduce RSV infections in the respiratory tract for people aged 75 and older, as well as for those aged 60 and older who are in care facilities or have a significantly increased risk of severe illness. This includes people with severe chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, certain types of cancer, chronic neurological and neuromuscular diseases, diabetes mellitus with complications, or severe immune deficiencies. However, mild or well-controlled forms of these conditions do not typically lead to severe RSV illness, according to current scientific knowledge.
The RSV vaccination is not an annual vaccination, as stated in the publication. No statement can yet be made about the need for booster vaccinations. The RSV vaccination can be administered simultaneously with the seasonal flu vaccination. For optimal protection during the RSV season, vaccination should take place in late summer or fall. In June, STIKO recommended an antibody-based drug for babies to protect against RSV.
Epidemiological Bulletin
People with different medical conditions not included in the risk factors might still benefit from the RSV vaccination, as this is an area requiring further research. Other health organizations and expert committees may have different recommendations for vulnerable populations.
