A virus that can cause the common cold and is spreading more than influenza and COVID-19 is posing a risk to more than a million, unvaccinated, elderly Australians.
The warning comes from the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) which says more than 83,000 cases of RSV were recorded this year, far outnumbering influenza and COVID-19 cases.
The respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) is one of 200 viruses that can cause the common cold but it can threaten the elderly, very young and those with compromised immune systems, it says.
It reports that just 722,530 older Australians (aged 75 years or over and 60-plus years for the indigenous population) received a free RSV vaccine this year compared to 1.76 million for a flu shot.
With around 890 confirmed notifications of RSV daily since the start of winter, Australia is on track to record more than 127,000 cases by the end.
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IFA founder and Executive Director Catherine Hughes says that having more than 700,000 people vaccinated in just two months earlier this year is “an outstanding effort”.
“However, there is still a massive gap in RSV vaccination coverage and an urgent need for older adults to roll up their sleeves,” she says.
“The RSV vaccine was not available in April and early May when many older Australians receive their flu shot so it’s clear there is some catching up to do.”
MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE VIRUS
Hughes says an IFA poll of 1000 older Australians found a common misunderstanding: 64% of respondents did not know that RSV and flu vaccines can be given at the same time, creating an immunisation gap.
“The RSV and influenza vaccines can absolutely be given at the same time, providing a convenient way to maximise protection during winter,” she says.
ABOUT THE VIRUS: it is a highly contagious respiratory virus and a leading cause of hospitalisation in older adults and babies. Symptoms include mild, cold-like symptoms but also severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, and diminished physical and cognitive health. Source: IFA
Studies show that vaccination is more than 85% effective in keeping older adults out of hospital with severe RSV and almost 80% effective in reducing hospitalisations for other conditions exacerbated by RSV including chronic lung disease and heart disease.
Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen says that having the RSV vaccine could prevent thousands of hospitalisations this winter.
“With so many Australians yet to be protected against RSV, it’s essential that people speak to a healthcare professional about RSV protection. Now is the time to act – winter is far from over,” she says.
“Getting protected against RSV is an incredibly simple yet effective way to help prevent serious illness and stay out of hospital.”
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