Cochrane Review Confirms RSV Vaccines Are Safe and Highly Effective

A comprehensive review conducted by Cochrane has demonstrated that vaccines targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are both safe and effective in safeguarding high-risk populations, including infants and older adults. The review analyzed data from 14 clinical trials involving over 100,000 participants across various countries and demographics such as pregnant women, women of reproductive age, children, and seniors.

RSV is a prevalent virus that often causes mild respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds but can escalate into severe lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis, particularly in vulnerable groups. Infants under two years of age face the highest risk of severe illness and death, with older adults also being significantly susceptible.

The review's findings reveal that RSV vaccines designed for older adults can significantly reduce the occurrence of lower respiratory tract diseases—including pneumonia—by 77%, and overall respiratory illnesses by 67%. Furthermore, vaccinating pregnant women with an RSV F protein-based vaccine has been shown to lower their infants' risk of developing RSV-related lower respiratory diseases by 54%, prevent severe illness in 74% of cases, and decrease hospitalization rates by 54%.

Lead researcher Dr. KM Saif-Ur-Rahman highlighted the encouraging nature of these results, emphasizing high-certainty evidence supporting the use of RSV vaccines in at-risk groups. Importantly, the review found no significant increase in serious side effects among vaccinated individuals compared to those unvaccinated.

While these promising results derive from randomized clinical trials—considered the strongest evidence—the review notes that real-world data on vaccine safety and effectiveness are still being collected through ongoing post-authorization studies. Experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) maintain that subsequent real-world research will further clarify these vaccines’ impact.

This review provides hope for better protection against RSV for vulnerable populations and underscores the importance of continued research to optimize vaccine strategies. For more details, the full review can be accessed in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-rsv-vaccines-safe-effective.html