Bivalent RSV Prefusion F Protein Vaccine: A Potential Strategy to Reduce Cardiovascular Hospitalizations in Older Adults

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory illness in older adults and is increasingly recognized for its role in triggering cardiovascular (CV) complications, particularly in those with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD). Similar to influenza, RSV infection can precipitate events such as acute heart failure, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias, largely mediated by inflammatory and prothrombotic processes. This makes prevention of RSV infection highly relevant not only for respiratory morbidity but also for reducing cardiovascular hospitalizations in this vulnerable population. The effectiveness of RSV vaccination on cardiovascular outcomes, however, has not been rigorously evaluated in randomized clinical trials until recently.

Study Design and Population