American Lung Association Urges Older Adults to Discuss RSV Vaccination

The American Lung Association (ALA) launched a new campaign on October 1, 2026, urging older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions to discuss vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with their healthcare providers.

RSV is a contagious virus that spreads widely during the fall and winter months. While most people experience mild symptoms, it can cause severe illness in infants and older adults, leading to complications like pneumonia or exacerbating chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, or heart failure. For older individuals, severe RSV can diminish quality of life and independence.

Holden Wimmer, President and CEO of the ALA, highlighted that an estimated 180,000 adults aged 50 and older are hospitalized annually due to RSV. During the 2025-26 season, RSV contributed to approximately 25,000 deaths across all age groups. He stressed the importance for older adults and those with chronic lung disease to take protective measures, including discussing vaccination with a healthcare provider.

Vaccination uptake remains low. As of February 22, 2026, only 43% of adults aged 75 and older and 33% of adults aged 50-74 with high-risk conditions had ever received an RSV vaccine. The ALA encourages adults to proactively discuss recommended respiratory virus vaccinations, including RSV shots if eligible, with their healthcare providers. Further information is available at Lung.org/rsv.