Check in: Help Protect Yourself Against RSV, Shingles, and Pertussis by Getting Your Vaccine.

Earlier this month my colleague and friend Christina, wrote an interesting check-in about the flu and pneumonia vaccines. Did you know that there are other vaccinations that are important for adults, especially those with chronic lung disease?

RSV Vaccine:

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that causes cough, congestion, and fever. Many people think that RSV is just a childhood illness, but that is not true. According to the CDC, older adults, and those with chronic conditions like lung or heart disease are at the highest risk for having a severe RSV infection. RSV results in anywhere from 60,000 – 160,000 hospitalizations in adults over 65 each year.¹

Earlier this year, after many decades of research and trials, the FDA approved an RSV vaccination for adults 60 and over. In July the FDA also approved a drug that may help prevent RSV in infants up to 8 months old, and for some up to 24 months old who are at high risk for severe RSV.

At this time the vaccination is currently recommended to be given as a single dose shot, which at this time has shown to be effective/last over two consecutive RSV seasons.²

Talk to your health care provider to see if the RSV vaccination is right for you.

To check your understanding of RSV click here. For more information about RSV click here.

Shingrix (aka. Shingles) vaccine:

Another vaccination that is important for adults is the shingles vaccine. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a very painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Symptoms include a rash with fluid-filled blisters, pain, burning, and sensitivity to touch. Some people may also experience headaches, fever, and fatigue. One of the most common complications of shingles is a form of nerve pain that can remain long after the blisters have cleared up. Shingles is more common in older adults but the instances of shingles in younger adults has increased in recent years.

The shingles vaccine is a nonliving vaccine and is made up of only part of the virus. Adults over 50, or those over 19 with a weakened immune system should have two doses of the Shingles vaccine. These should be given 2-6 months apart. Some people wonder if they should take the vaccine if they have already had shingles before, or if they have had the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. The CDC recommendations say generally, yes. Talk to your health care provider about your specific situation.

DTap or Tdap (aka. Whooping cough/Pertussis) Vaccine:

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is a very contagious lung infection that is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. The vaccine has been around for many years, but there are still some adults (and children) who have not received it. This vaccine is normally combined with tetanus and diphtheria shots (DTaP or Tdap). It is recommended that adults who have received their initial vaccination get a booster every 10 years.

Some may think that whooping cough is a thing of the past, but the CDC reports that there are outbreaks every few years.³ When my kids were younger there was a breakout in their elementary school. It was a scary time because there were a lot of sick kids. Luckily everyone that I know recovered quickly but the children who lived with their grandparents or those with compromised immune systems were pretty concerned.

It is important to stay up to date on vaccinations when boosters are needed. This not only helps you stay healthy but also helps prevent the spread of disease to others.

The CDC has some specific guidelines on who should and should not be vaccinated. Those differ depending on each vaccine. You can find those recommendations by clicking here.

Vaccinations can be a controversial topic and are scary for some people. Your health care team is a great place to ask questions and discuss your vaccination concerns. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any part of a vaccine. If you have certain allergies there may be a form of the vaccination available that does not contain those components. Check with your health care provider. They will be able to help you to decide which vaccinations are needed, and when to get them.

References:

1. RSV surveillance and Research. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 17, 2023. Accessed August 24, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/index.html.
2. Use of respiratory syncytial virus vaccines in older adults: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 20, 2023. Accessed August 24, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7229a4.htm.
3. Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 4, 2022. Accessed August 24, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/outbreaks.html#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20contagious%20respiratory,few%20years%20and%20frequent%20outbreaks.