Respiratory syncytial virus viral vaccine under research.
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Walgreens is now offering the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for older adults nationwide, the pharmacy chain said on Tuesday.
People ages 60 and older can schedule an appointment this week through Walgreens’ app, website, by phone or by visiting their local pharmacy.
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That is the primary RSV season by which older adults have the choice to get vaccinated against the virus. The Food and Drug Administration approved the primary RSV vaccines, made by Pfizer and GSK, last spring.
Walgreens is offering each Pfizer’s and GSK’s shots, that are administered as a single dose.
RSV starts spreading more widely in the autumn. The virus kills 6,000 to 10,000 older adults and hospitalizes 60,000 to 160,000 every 12 months, in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC has said eligible adults should discuss with their doctor about whether or not they should receive the shot.
The RSV vaccines at the moment are available in most states and appointments might be added on a rolling basis over the following two weeks as more pharmacies receive the shots, in response to Walgreens.
Walgreens’ pharmacies usually are not yet authorized to manage RSV vaccines in DC, Maryland, Massachusetts and Latest York, though the corporate expects so as to add the shots in these places over time, a spokesperson said.
Individuals who live in Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Utah will need a health care provider’s prescription to receive the shots, the spokesperson said.
CVS is preparing to supply a RSV vaccine for older adults in the approaching weeks, an organization spokesperson said.
Pfizer began directly shipping its RSV vaccine to customers last month and has sufficient stock to fulfill demand, an organization spokesperson said. CNBC has reached out to GSK for comment.
Pfizer’s shot was 85.7% effective at stopping more severe lower respiratory tract disease in the course of the patient’s first RSV season after vaccination. The shot’s efficacy declined barely to 78.6% about 18 months after vaccination.
GSK’s shot was 94% effective against severe RSV disease within the patient’s season after vaccination. The shot’s efficacy declined to about 78.8% after two RSV seasons.
— CNBC’S Annika Kim Constantino contributed to this story.
