American Lung Association Pushes RSV Vaccination Amid Low Uptake in…

Event summary

American Lung Association launched a campaign on October 1, 2026, urging older adults and high-risk individuals to discuss RSV vaccination with healthcare providers.
RSV leads to 180,000 hospitalizations annually among adults 50+ and contributed to 25,000 deaths in the 2025-26 season.
As of February 2026, only 43% of adults 75+ and 33% of high-risk adults 50-74 had received an RSV vaccine.
CDC recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for eligible adults, which can be administered year-round alongside flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

The big picture

The campaign highlights a critical gap in RSV vaccination coverage among vulnerable populations, despite the availability of effective vaccines. This aligns with broader trends in public health where preventive measures often lag behind medical advancements due to awareness and access barriers. The initiative is supported by GSK, reflecting the pharmaceutical industry's interest in expanding vaccine adoption beyond annual flu and COVID-19 shots.

What we're watching

Vaccination Uptake: Whether the campaign can significantly increase RSV vaccination rates among high-risk groups, particularly Hispanic and Latino adults who currently have lower coverage.
Public Health Impact: How improved vaccination rates might reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and mortality in the coming seasons.
Policy Influence: The extent to which the American Lung Association's advocacy could shape future CDC guidelines or public health funding priorities.