Vaccine effectiveness of a bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pre-F vaccine against RSV-associated hospitalisation among adults aged 75-79 years in England
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Background
A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme for older adults using bivalent pre-F vaccine was introduced in England from September 1, 2024. While vaccine effectiveness has been reported against all-cause RSV-associated respiratory hospitalisations, there are limited data on vaccine effectiveness (VE) against different presentations of RSV-associated illness, such as exacerbation of chronic illness.
Methods
We conducted a test-negative design analysis using data from a national, hospital-based acute respiratory infection (ARI) sentinel surveillance (HARISS) system across 14 hospitals in England. From October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 vaccine-eligible adults aged 75-79 years hospitalised with ARI for ≥24 hours and tested with molecular diagnostic assays within 48 hours of admission were included. Cases were RSV positive, and controls negative for RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination status was obtained from the national registry.
Findings
Of 1006 adults hospitalised with ARI, 173 (17.2%) had RSV infection. VE was 82.3% (95%CI:70.6-90.0%) against hospitalisation for any RSV-associated ARI and 86.7% (75.4-93.6%) in those with severe disease including oxygen supplementation. VE was 88.6% (75.6-95.6%) among adults admitted due to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), including pneumonia, 77.4% (42.4-92.8%) among adults admitted due to exacerbation of chronic lung disease, and 78.8% (47.8-93.0%) among adults admitted with exacerbation of chronic heart disease, lung disease or frailty. In adults with immunosuppression, VE was 72.8% (39.5-89.3%).
Interpretation
This study provides evidence that the RSV pre-F vaccine is highly effective against RSV-associated hospitalisations, including exacerbations of chronic disease and in adults living with immunosuppression.
Funding
The UK Health Security Agency.
