Asked by dontillia

A 75-year-old client tells you their 2-month-old grandson is in the hospital with a severe RSV infection. You ask them if they have been vaccinated against RSV and they say, “No. I figure it’s mostly to protect babies. It isn’t nearly as important for adults.” Of the following, which would be the best way to counsel your client about RSV vaccination?

"That’s true, and it isn’t even RSV season yet. But you might want to bring it up at your next doctor’s appointment."
"Well, the vaccines are mostly for babies and pregnant women, but you should consider it."
"RSV is most dangerous in older adults, and it’s recommended that all adults 75 and older get vaccinated"
"RSV can be very harmful in older adults, and I hear those new RSV antibodies that can be given are really safe. Ask your pharmacist or PCP the next time you see them."

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Correct answer: "RSV is most dangerous in older adults, and it’s recommended that all adults 75 and older get vaccinated."

Rationale: Older adults are at substantially higher risk of severe RSV disease, hospitalization, and death. The best counseling emphasizes that the vaccine is intended to protect older adults as well as infants — you should recommend vaccination for this 75‑year‑old and encourage them to discuss it with their PCP or pharmacist. (Current CDC/ACIP guidance recommends RSV vaccination for older adults — generally adults ≥60 — so this patient certainly falls into the group that should be offered immunization.)