Low RSV and shingles vaccination rate among chronic patients over 50: survey

A recent survey has highlighted a significant gap in the vaccination coverage for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and shingles among chronic patients aged 50 and above.

The study found that most of these patients are unaware of these diseases and their respective vaccines, with many mistakenly believing that the influenza vaccine provides protection against RSV.

The survey, which interviewed 984 chronic patients over the age of 50, revealed that nearly 70 percent of respondents were unfamiliar with RSV. Furthermore, 95 percent had not received the vaccine for RSV, and half of the participants incorrectly thought that the influenza vaccine would prevent RSV infections.

David Siu Chung-wah, Honorary Clinical Professor at The University of Hong Kong, emphasized the severe implications of RSV, particularly for those with heart conditions.

He explained that patients with heart failure who contract RSV are eight times more likely to be hospitalized and have a 1.8 times higher risk of dying in the hospital compared to other patients. 

The survey also uncovered that only 10 percent of the respondents had been vaccinated against shingles, despite 27 percent having experienced the disease. Of those affected, 10 percent reported that the aftereffects lasted for more than a year.

Yiu Kai-hang, a clinical professor in the cardiology division at HKU, noted the serious complications associated with shingles, including vasculitis and vascular disruption, which can significantly increase the risk of stroke.

In response to these findings, the survey organizers recommended that elderly individuals aged 75 and above, as well as chronic patients aged 65 and older, should prioritize receiving the RSV vaccine. 

They also urged authorities to enhance public awareness about the vaccines for both RSV and shingles to mitigate the health risks these diseases pose to the community.