Who Got the RSV Shot? A Look at Vaccine Uptake in Southern California

The 2023-2024 RSV season brought a new vaccine for adults aged 60 and above. This vaccine was recommended based on discussions between patients and their healthcare providers. A study was conducted to see how many people in Southern California got the vaccine and why some groups were more likely to get it than others. The study looked at over a million patients aged 60 and above. It found that only 7. 6% of these patients received the RSV vaccine. This low uptake raises questions about why more people did not get vaccinated. One reason could be that the vaccine was new, and people were unsure about it. The study also found that age played a role in who got the vaccine. People aged 70 to 79 and those 80 and above were more likely to get vaccinated compared to those in their early 60s. This makes sense, as older adults are more at risk from RSV. Race and ethnicity also made a difference. Non-Hispanic White patients were more likely to get the vaccine than other groups. Asian, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, Pacific Islander, and Native American or Alaska Native patients were less likely to get vaccinated. This could be due to many factors, including access to healthcare, cultural beliefs, or language barriers. Where people lived also mattered. Those in more deprived neighborhoods were less likely to get the vaccine. This is concerning because these communities often have more health issues and less access to healthcare. The study highlights some troubling trends. Lower vaccination rates in certain groups could lead to more RSV infections and severe cases. The CDC has updated its recommendations to include all adults aged 75 and above, which could help address these issues. It is crucial to understand why some groups are not getting the vaccine. This could involve better communication, more accessible healthcare, or addressing cultural concerns. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to protect themselves from RSV.