RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults in Houston: What to Know

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, there are around 15 illnesses that seniors aged 65 years and above should be vaccinated against. Among these diseases is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a common virus that causes mild, flu-like symptoms. While the average person may recover within two weeks, older adults are at high risk of developing complications. These include pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Seniors living in Houston, TX, enjoy the amenities in the area, such as diverse food joints and the famous Space Center Houston.

Let's discuss RSV vaccine recommendations for adults in Houston and how they protect aging seniors from respiratory illnesses.

RSV Adult Vaccine Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all adults above the age of 75 who have not received the RSV immunization be vaccinated during any season of the year. However, the vaccination is most beneficial during early fall or late summer. This is just before the high season for RSV infections begins.

If you're suffering from a severe or moderate illness, it's recommended that you wait till you feel better before receiving the vaccine. However, seniors in Morada Cy-Fair with a minor disease such as a cold should get the RSV vaccine for aging immune health.

Additionally, older adults in Houston, TX require only one dose of the RSV vaccine for respiratory illness prevention. RSV immunization can be administered together with other senior vaccines in Houston, TX, during the same visit.

However, note that coadministration of the RSV vaccine may worsen some of the common side effects. During coadministration, you should consider the following factors:

Risk of getting vaccine-preventable illnesses
Whether you've been recommended other immunizations
Whether you can get other vaccines during a separate visit

RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults in Houston, TX

The RSV vaccine is administered as an injection into your upper arm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three RSV vaccines for seniors. You may not be eligible for the vaccine if you've experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to an ingredient of the immunization or a previous dose of the RSV vaccine.

Immunizations to protect against the RSV illness work by inducing an immune response to keep you safe from respiratory disease in case you get RSV in the future. Eligible seniors only receive one out of three RSV vaccines.

The three types of RSV vaccine given to older adults living in assisted living communities in Houston, TX, include the following:

GSK's Arexvy

This vaccine protects against symptomatic RSV lower tract respiratory illness for around 23 months after administration. GSK's Arexvy is effective in adults over 60 years old with various immunocompromising health conditions. It's also effective for seniors 75 years or older with end-stage renal disease.

Pfizer's Abrysvo

Abrysvo protects seniors against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV through 18 months after vaccination. This vaccine also prevents emergency department encounters and hospitalizations that are associated with RSV infections in older individuals.

Moderna's mResvia

The efficiency of a single dose of Moderna's mResvia against RSV is around 80% four months after vaccination. During the first year following immunization, the efficacy is 56%.

Possible Side Effects of the RSV Vaccine for Seniors

Most common side effects associated with the RSV vaccine are mild and typically last for a short time. If you've experienced side effects after getting other kinds of vaccines, you're likely to experience the same with the RSV vaccine for seniors. These side effects include the following:

An aching body
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Pain or swelling where the injection was given
Diarrhea
Nausea

Overall, you're safer getting the RSV immunization than risking an infection that can lead to severe complications.

Conditions That Increase Your Risk of Contracting RSV

Seniors in Houston are at high risk of getting RSV, since the area is among the most populated in Texas. Houston's humid subtropical climate contributes to a prolonged RSV season.

Furthermore, most severe complications of the diseases caused by RSV are experienced in older adults suffering from chronic health conditions. Some of these conditions include the following:

Chronic liver disease
End-stage renal disease
Chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Severe cardiovascular diseases (congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure)
Serious hematologic conditions (thalassemia or sickle cell disease)
Living in a nursing home

Barriers to Proper RSV Immunization in Seniors Living In Houston, TX

Immunization is among the most effective interventions in protecting people, especially those at high risk, from contracting diseases. However, there are still some older adults in Houston who may find it hard to get the proper vaccines administered on time due to various factors.

Some of these factors include the following:

Transportation and Access

Older adults in Morada Cy-Fair Senior Living Community with mobility issues may find it difficult to visit RSV immunization sites. You can volunteer to drive them there or arrange for vaccination services.

Health Literacy

Seniors who lack proper knowledge and education about the benefits of vaccines may fail to receive them when required. If you have an elderly loved one, it's essential to inform them of the benefits of timely immunization. It's also vital that seniors know exactly where to get the RSV vaccine in Houston, TX.

Cost Concerns

Reduced income is among the major stressors in older adults. This may cause them to worry about the cost of getting the RSV vaccine. However, note that the RSV vaccine for seniors in Houston is covered by most insurance.

Enhance Aging Immune Health Through RSV Vaccine for Seniors

The RSV vaccine is effective in protecting against illnesses caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. Seniors above 75 years should get the vaccine in a single dose for protection against RSV diseases for several years. With the above RSV vaccine recommendations for adults, you can determine the best time to get the vaccine and the common side effects associated with it.

At Morada Cy-Fair senior living community, we provide 24-hour support with daily duties, allowing residents to lead a person-centered lifestyle. With our on-site concierge services, seniors can book appointments easily from the comfort of their apartments.

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