RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults in Manitowoc, WI
Just around 22% of older adults in the U.S. have received the RSV vaccine, according to the AARP, despite the serious risks RSV poses to this age group.
At LakeHouse Manitowoc, our senior living community in charming Manitowoc, located just 40 miles from Green Bay, we're committed to educating older adults about the risks of RSV and why getting vaccinated matters. Respiratory Syncytial Virus can cause severe illness, leading to hospital stays and complications, especially for those over 50.
In this adult vaccine guide, we will share the latest RSV vaccine recommendations for adults, explain who should get vaccinated, and discuss how our community supports healthy living and protection against RSV.
Staying informed helps keep our seniors safe and well throughout the RSV season. Let's get started.
What Is RSV and Why Does It Matter?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a widespread virus that targets the lungs and airways. Although it often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can lead to more serious illnesses in older adults.
For seniors, especially those with existing health conditions, RSV can lead to severe respiratory illness, hospital stays, and life-threatening complications. Protecting against RSV is an important part of senior health protection.
Each year, RSV spreads widely during the fall and winter months. Older adults are more vulnerable because their immune systems may not fight infections as effectively as when they were younger. This makes it harder to recover from respiratory infections like RSV.
Knowing about RSV in older adults and how it can impact health helps seniors and their families take steps to stay safe. Vaccination is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness from RSV in adults aged 50 and older.
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the RSV vaccine for certain groups of adults. All adults aged 75 and older should get the vaccine. Adults between 50 and 74 years old who have health conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV illness are also advised to get vaccinated.
Some of the health conditions that raise the risk include:
- Heart and lung diseases
- Diabetes with complications
- Kidney failure
- Certain neurological problems
- Severe obesity
- Weakened immune systems
People living in assisted living or similar care settings are also encouraged to receive the vaccine.
It is important to know that adults do not need to provide medical records to get vaccinated. Simply sharing your health status with a healthcare provider is enough to qualify. If you fall into one of these groups, getting the RSV vaccine can help protect you from serious illness during RSV season.
Available RSV Vaccines
There are currently three RSV vaccines approved for adults. These vaccines help protect respiratory health as we age. The available vaccines are:
- GSK's Arexvy
- Moderna's mResvia
- Pfizer's Abrysvo
Each vaccine is designed to reduce the risk of serious RSV illness in adults, especially seniors and those with health conditions.
The CDC recommends getting any one of these FDA-approved vaccines based on availability and age eligibility. There is no preference for one vaccine over another, so it's best to get whichever is offered by your healthcare provider.
These vaccines play an important role in supporting respiratory health aging. They help the body build protection against RSV, which can be more dangerous as we get older.Getting vaccinated is a key step to staying healthy and avoiding complications from RSV.
When to Get the RSV Vaccine
Generally, the best time to get the RSV vaccine is in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October. This timing helps build protection before RSV starts spreading widely in the community during the colder months. Vaccinating during this period provides the strongest protection before RSV activity increases.
Still, if the ideal window is missed, adults can receive the vaccine later in the year. Vaccination can be done at any time, especially for those who have not received it before.
Currently, only one dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for adults. Unlike flu vaccines, it is not given every year. Health experts are monitoring the vaccines to decide if additional doses may be needed in the future.
In some cases, the RSV vaccine can be given at the same visit as other adult vaccines, but it's important to talk with your healthcare provider about what's best for you.
How LakeHouse Manitowoc Supports Resident Health
Here at LakeHouse Manitowoc, our top priority is the health and well-being of our residents. We are proud to offer a supportive and caring environment designed to meet the unique needs of older adults. Our community provides a peaceful setting with easy access to quality healthcare resources in the region.
We focus on promoting healthy lifestyles through a range of wellness programs, including:
- Regular exercise classes
- Social activities
- Nutritious meal plans
Our trained staff works closely with each resident to monitor their health and encourage preventive care, such as vaccinations and routine screenings.
Understanding the risks that respiratory illnesses like RSV pose, we actively educate our residents about the importance of vaccines and respiratory health. We coordinate with local healthcare providers to ensure residents have easy access to recommended vaccines, including the RSV vaccine.
At LakeHouse Manitowoc, we believe strong community support and health awareness help our residents live safer, healthier lives every day.
RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults in Manitowoc
The bottom line is that staying informed about RSV vaccine recommendations for adults is an important step in protecting your health, especially for seniors and those with higher risk factors.
At LakeHouse Manitowoc, we are committed to helping our community stay safe by sharing the latest immunization info WI and supporting residents with access to vaccines and health resources.
If you or a loved one wants to learn more about RSV vaccination or explore senior living options that prioritize health and wellness, we invite you to contact us. Schedule a tour to see how LakeHouse Manitowoc can support your well-being through every season.
Together, we can take the right steps to keep respiratory illnesses like RSV at bay. We look forward to speaking with you.