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A new study shows Pfizer's RSV vaccine (RSVpreF) offers strong protection in the first season but loses effectiveness over time for nursing home residents. Vaccine effectiveness dropped from 70% in year one to just 33% by year three — raising questions about whether booster shots may be needed for this high-risk group.
A study presented at IDWeek found that Pfizer's bivalent RSV vaccine (RSVpreF) provides meaningful protection against RSV infection in nursing home residents, but that protection wanes considerably across three seasons. Researchers analyzed data from over 23,000 nursing home residents across three RSV seasons (2023–2026), finding that the vast majority of confirmed RSV cases — 77% — occurred in unvaccinated residents.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that a single lifetime dose of RSV vaccine may not be sufficient for the oldest and most vulnerable adults, particularly those in congregate living settings where transmission risk is high.
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Why it matters: With RSV vaccines currently recommended as a one-time shot, these findings put pressure on policymakers to reconsider booster strategies — especially for nursing home residents. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which would normally weigh in, is currently in limbo following a federal court order, leaving the question of revaccination unresolved heading into the 2026–2027 RSV season.
