As we approach the respiratory vaccine season, conversations around the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine grow stronger. RSV, a virus causing cold-like symptoms, is particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and those with underlying conditions. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can become very serious for people with high risk. With the CDC’s new RSV recommendations, it’s crucial to stay informed. Heather Mercer, executive director of ImmunizeAR, provides patients and professionals in the healthcare community with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the RSV vaccine.
In this blog:
1. What are the latest CDC recommendations for the RSV vaccine?
Explore the updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on who should receive the RSV vaccine, focusing on age and underlying health conditions that prioritize individuals for vaccination.
2. How do Respiratory Virus Workgroups contribute to improving vaccine coverage?
Discover the role of ImmunizeAR's Respiratory Virus Workgroup in enhancing state vaccine coverage rates through monthly discussions on strategies, distribution, and updates in vaccination guidelines.
3. Where can people receive the RSV vaccine, and who qualifies for coverage under Medicare?
Understanding the common locations for RSV vaccination, including the significance of pharmacies and the impact of Medicare coverage on vaccine accessibility.
4. How can we address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation about RSV vaccination?
Learn effective strategies for healthcare providers and public health advocates to engage with individuals who have concerns or doubts about getting vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of factual information and trust-building.
ImmunizeAR Plays a Big Role in Vaccine Advocacy
Under Heather’s guidance, ImmunizeAR’s Respiratory Virus Workgroup has helped increase the state’s vaccine coverage rates. “The workgroup is made up of statewide vaccine stakeholders. We meet monthly to discuss guideline changes, distribution issues, epidemiology, strategies to increase vaccine uptake, and other changes,” Heather says. The Respiratory Virus Workgroup started as the Flu Prevention Workgroup, which morphed into the COVID Workgroup. With the recent addition of RSV vaccines, the group is now the Respiratory Virus Workgroup, a trusted resource for up-to-date information regarding RSV, COVID-19, and influenza vaccination. To participate in this workgroup, fill out the membership application form on the ImmunizeAR website.
Changes in RSV Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated RSV administrations. Accurate, up-to-date information is key in navigating these changes.
“Last season,” Heather said, “the recommendation for RSV vaccines was for all adults ages 60 and older with a shared clinical decision with their provider.” This recommendation caused confusion among patients and providers, leading ACIP to release updated recommendations in June.
“In June 2024, the ACIP changed the recommendation for clarity and now recommends that all adults 75 and older (and those 60–74 with underlying risk factors) receive the RSV vaccine,” Heather said. ImmunizeAR provides a list of risk factors on their website.
Vaccine Administration Locations
According to the CDC, the majority of individuals (83.1%) received the vaccine in non-medical settings. Only about 17% of individuals received their RSV vaccine in medical settings, such as the doctor’s office. Pharmacies and drug stores were the most common settings for COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines during the 2023–2024 season. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the vital role that pharmacists play in administering vaccines. The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act expanded the authority of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and interns to administer vaccines. Those efforts led to COVID-19 vaccination uptake in 2019.
“Most people in 2023 received their RSV vaccine at the pharmacy due to payment,” Heather adds. “If the patient has Medicare, the vaccine would be covered on their pharmacy benefit.” And while pharmacies and drug stores are important settings for vaccine access, offering vaccine administration in other convenient and trusted settings, including healthcare settings, is critical to improving vaccination coverage.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
In addition to RSV vaccines receiving FDA approval in 2023, the ACIP added a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab to the list last RSV season. “Nirsevimab is recommended for infants under eight months old born during or entering their first RSV season (fall through spring) if their mother did not receive the RSV vaccine.”
One vaccine, Abrysvo, is recommended for people who are 32–36 weeks pregnant. “Seasonal administration for Abrysvo is September through January,” Heather adds. “Healthcare providers taking care of pregnant people should provide information about maternal vaccines and infant monoclonal antibody products. It’s crucial to consider patient preferences when determining whether to vaccinate the pregnant patient or rely on the administration of nirsevimab to the infant after birth.”
Combatting Vaccine Hesitancy through Transparency and Education
Misinformation and disinformation have led some to become skeptical and hesitant to receive vaccines. Heather recommends actively listening and engaging in honest dialogue with patients when they begin to ask questions. Doing so builds trust and lets patients know their provider is a trusted resource in vaccine information.
“If a patient asks a question, that doesn’t mean they are going to refuse to get the vaccine,” Heather explains. “It is important that providers do not dismiss any questions patients ask. Many times, patients will get turned off by providers being dismissive to a patient asking questions that seem outrageous.”
Acknowledging the patient’s concerns and responding to the questions with facts without getting too in the weeds will go a long way in showing patients they can trust the science behind vaccines.
To aid in the dissemination of accurate, actionable information, ImmunizeAR has developed vaccine workshop toolkits. “The toolkits are designed for individuals to facilitate one-hour learning sessions for answering frequently asked questions about the COVID, flu, and/or HPV vaccines,” Heather says. By equipping communities with these toolkits, ImmunizeAR is empowering grassroots efforts in vaccine education.
The toolkits include a leader guide, a participant booklet (written in plain language), a PowerPoint presentation, a sample news release, and other resources a community member might need to host a workshop. “The leader guides are written so that community members do not need to be experts on the content to host the workshop,” Heather says.
ImmunizeAR continues to strive to increase vaccine uptake and provide accurate, up-to-date information about the benefits of vaccination on public health. Led by executive director Heather Mercer, their work helps broaden vaccine access while easing the community’s anxiety and hesitancy toward vaccination. Open dialogue about the benefits of vaccines will not only help defend against severe disease but will also pave the way for increased trust and commitment, which are key to overcoming health challenges and safeguarding community well-being.
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Meet Heather Mercer
Heather Mercer is the Executive Director of Immunize Arkansas, the Arkansas Immunization Action Coalition. Immunize Arkansas is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving vaccination rates for all Arkansans through education, advocacy, and statewide partnerships. Since joining Immunize Arkansas in 2017, Heather has grown the coalition to a nationally recognized organization through the work on the various workgroups, including the HPV prevention workgroup. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from the University of Central Arkansas. Heather worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 12 years, focusing on immunizations and preventive medicine.
