By Jennifer Dunlay

A new vaccine that protects adults ages 60 and older who are at the highest risk for severe illness from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will be available this fall.

Adults at the highest risk for RSV include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that RSV causes approximately 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000 to 10,000 deaths among older adults every year.

In June, the CDC recommended that adults over age 60 consider getting the new single-dose RSV vaccine after consulting with their health care provider.

“Have a conversation with your doctor to discuss your risk factors for RSV, and decide together if you need this additional protection,” says Charlie Hunt, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

“It’s also a good time to ask your provider if you’re eligible for an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.”

Hunt says the virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating, and those who are unvaccinated or have a disability, a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition are at greater risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Most deaths from COVID-19 occur in people over age 65.

People ages 65 and older are eligible for an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine if it’s been at least four months since the last dose of the updated vaccine. Older adults are also recommended to get a seasonal flu vaccination before the end of October to reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from the flu.

Medicare beneficiaries can receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to them. Those with private insurance should consult their benefit plans to determine which vaccines are covered. The federal government will continue to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to adults who are underinsured or uninsured through 2024.

The new RSV vaccine will ship to participating healthcare providers this fall. Contact your provider to confirm they have the vaccine available and if it’s covered by your insurance plan.

Jennifer Dunlay is risk communicator for the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.