The New York State Department of Health is urging eligible residents to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, as infections remain steady statewide and hospitalizations continue to outpace those from flu and COVID-19 combined.
State Health Commissioner James McDonald said the latest RSV vaccines offer the strongest protection yet against the virus, which can lead to serious breathing complications, especially in young children and older adults.
“Respiratory syncytial virus vaccines are a recent development that provides the strongest protection we have against RSV,” McDonald said. “Young children and older adults are particularly susceptible to RSV and its complications, which often lead to hospitalization. Simple vaccination can help prevent this severe, sometimes life-threatening illness.”
For the week ending Feb. 14, the state reported 5,785 RSV cases. After peaking in mid-December, case numbers have plateaued, marking the ninth straight week that cases have held steady or increased. During that same week, 819 RSV-related hospitalizations were reported — more than the combined hospitalizations from influenza and COVID-19.
Health officials said immunization can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, critical breathing problems, and death.
Several groups are encouraged to get protected. Newborns and infants up to 8 months old, as well as children under 2 with certain risk factors, can receive monoclonal antibody immunizations that provide immediate protection. This is strongly recommended for babies born during RSV season if their birthing parent did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy.
Adults 75 and older, and those 50 and older with chronic conditions such as heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, are also advised to receive an RSV vaccine. Pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks gestation can be vaccinated between September and January to help protect their newborns after birth. Adults in long-term care facilities may also benefit.
Meanwhile, other respiratory viruses are also circulating. The state recorded 7,553 flu cases for the week ending Feb. 14, a 21 percent increase from the previous week, along with 314 hospitalizations. COVID-19 cases totaled 4,029, up 2 percent, with 390 hospitalizations.
Officials noted that flu and COVID-19 can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions.
Vaccines for RSV, flu, and COVID-19 are widely available at pharmacies, health care providers, and local health departments. Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover the shots at no cost. Uninsured residents can receive free vaccines through the state’s Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs at participating sites.
In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, staying home when ill, covering coughs and sneezes, and regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces to help slow the spread of respiratory viruses.
