An advisory committee of vaccine experts voted this week to recommend lowering the age at which adults are eligible for the RSV vaccine. This committee, known as the the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, regularly makes recommendations to the CDC on vaccine schedules and approvals. If the CDC director agrees with their recommendation, RSV vaccines already approved for adults would be authorized for people between 50-59 at high risk for severe illness from the virus. Insurers would also be required to cover the vaccine for eligible individuals.Currently, the CDC recommends RSV vaccines for all Americans older than 74 and adults ages 60+ with an elevated risk of illness.
The ACIP also recommended a new combination vaccine manufactured by GSK which is effective against five strains of meningococcal bacteria, including a strain that led to a outbreaks at universities a decade ago.
The third endorsement was for a chikungunya vaccine for people age 12 and up who are planning to visit countries where outbreaks of the virus are active. Approximately 100-200 cases are confirmed every year among US residents traveling abroad. If approved, this vaccine would be the second chikungunya option for Americans age 12 and older.
