RSV in Older Adults: How Pharmacists Can Help Protect Our Seniors

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has long been recognized as a dangerous seasonal infection for infants—but today, it’s becoming clear that older adults face just as much risk. For seniors, especially those with chronic health conditions, RSV can lead to severe respiratory complications, hospitalization, and a long road to recovery.

With the introduction of new FDA-approved RSV vaccines, prevention is more accessible than ever. Yet vaccine uptake remains far lower than expected—mainly due to limited awareness and confusion around Medicare coverage. Understanding the risks and the solutions is essential for improving protection in this vulnerable population.

Why RSV Is a Serious Threat for Older Adults

RSV may begin like a cold, but in older adults it can quickly progress to lower respiratory tract disease, pneumonia, or flare-ups of chronic conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart failure

CDC data from recent RSV seasons show the severity clearly: over half of RSV-related hospitalizations occurred in adults aged 75 and older, and nearly 1 in 5 hospitalized patients came from long-term care facilities. These trends mirror the impact of influenza, highlighting the growing urgency for proactive RSV prevention.

New RSV Vaccines for Adults 60+

In the past two years, major progress has been made in RSV prevention:

• Arexvy (GSK) – approved May 2023
• Abrysvo (Pfizer) – approved May 2023
• mResvia (Moderna) – approved May 2024

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends a single lifetime dose for:

• All adults 75 years and older
• Adults 50–74 years who have high-risk medical conditions

However, despite broad eligibility, coverage among older adults remains suboptimal. As of early 2025, RSV vaccination rates in those 75 and older reached 47.5%, leaving more than half unprotected.

What’s Holding Back RSV Vaccination?

Low uptake doesn’t reflect a lack of vaccine effectiveness—it reflects a combination of preventable barriers:

1. Medicare Billing Confusion
Unlike flu or COVID-19 vaccines billed under Medicare Part B, RSV vaccines fall under Medicare Part D, causing delays or hesitation for both patients and providers.
2. Low Public Awareness
Many older adults simply haven’t heard of RSV as a serious adult illness.
3. Missed Opportunities During Routine Visits
Clinicians don’t consistently discuss RSV vaccination during annual checkups, unlike flu or pneumococcal vaccines.
4. Timing Challenges
RSV peaks alongside flu season, and when doses aren’t given early enough, they’re often skipped altogether.
5. Questions About Coadministration
Although the CDC allows RSV vaccines to be given with flu or COVID-19 shots, some providers separate doses due to slightly increased mild side effects—resulting in missed follow-through.

How Pharmacists Can Lead the Way in Increasing RSV Protection

Pharmacists are central to improving RSV vaccine adoption—especially for older adults who visit pharmacies more often than doctor’s offices.

Pharmacists Can:

• Identify at-risk patients during prescription pickups or consultations
• Educate seniors about RSV risk, severity, and vaccine benefits
• Clarify Medicare Part D coverage, reassuring patients that vaccines are available at no cost
• Coordinate coadministration with flu or COVID-19 vaccines when appropriate
• Lead vaccination programs within long-term care and senior living communities

Their accessibility, clinical knowledge, and trusted relationships uniquely position pharmacists to close the prevention gap.

The Bottom Line

RSV remains an underrecognized but dangerous threat for older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions or decreased immunity. With effective vaccines now available, improving awareness is the key to reducing severe illness and hospitalizations.

Pharmacists, patients, and healthcare teams must work together to ensure seniors receive this essential, once-in-a-lifetime dose. Through education, access, and proactive communication, we can make meaningful progress in protecting our aging population from RSV.

At MediServ Pharmacy, we understand how critical timely immunizations are for older adults, especially when it comes to preventing respiratory illnesses like RSV. Our team is committed to helping seniors and caregivers navigate important preventive care, offering convenient vaccinations in the Bronx for adults who want reliable, community-based support. Whether you’re seeking guidance on RSV vaccines, flu shots, or other essential immunizations, our pharmacists are here to provide clarity, comfort, and trusted recommendations. Visit us today to stay protected, stay informed, and make your wellness a priority with our patient-centered vaccination services.