CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the American Lung Association launched a new campaign to urge older adults and people with pre-existing conditions to talk with their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is highly contagious and spreads widely during the fall and winter months, like many other respiratory viruses, and can infect people of all ages. While most people develop only mild symptoms, infants and older adults can get very sick. Severe complications from RSV include pneumonia, worsening of an existing chronic medical condition like asthma, COPD or heart failure. In older adults, severe RSV illness can negatively impact quality of life and cause a loss of independence due to long-lasting symptoms that decrease one’s ability to carry out daily activities.

“RSV poses a significant public health burden in the U.S. Unfortunately, each year, the disease leads to an estimated 180,000 hospitalizations among adults ages 50 and older. During the 2025-26 season, RSV contributed to as many as 25,000 deaths across all ages,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Heading into the holiday season, it is critical for older adults and people living with chronic lung disease to take steps to protect themselves from RSV, including by discussing RSV vaccination with a healthcare provider.”

Adults who are at increased risk of RSV complications include those age 75 and older; adults with chronic lung or heart disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD) or congestive heart failure; adults with weakened immune systems; and adults living in nursing homes.

Current guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a single dose of RSV vaccine for eligible adults. It is not an annual vaccine. Adults who have already received one dose, including in a prior year, should not receive another dose at this time. However, adults can get vaccinated for RSV at any time of the year. RSV, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be received during the same visit, depending on availability.

Vaccination coverage rates are low, and many adults who are at increased risk have not discussed RSV vaccination with a healthcare provider to help prevent serious illness. As of February 22, 2026, 43% of adults 75 years and older and 33% of adults 50─74 years with a high-risk condition for RSV reported having ever received an RSV vaccine, leaving many eligible adults without vaccination protection. Hispanic and Latino adults experience significantly lower vaccination rates.

The American Lung Association encourages adults to speak with to their healthcare provider about staying up to date on all recommended respiratory vaccinations, including an RSV vaccine if eligible.  For more information on RSV prevention and vaccination, visit Lung.org/rsv.

This initiative is supported by an educational grant from GSK.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events. 

American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org

CONTACT: Jill Dale, 312-940-7001, Jill.Dale@Lung.org

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SOURCE American Lung Association