Dual RSV and Influenza Vaccination Reduces Health Care Utilization and Costs Among Older Adults
A new retrospective cohort study using the Humana Healthcare Research database highlights the significant clinical and economic benefits of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination among older adults in the US. The analysis compared health care utilization and costs in individuals aged 60 to 89 years who received both RSV and influenza vaccines versus those who were either unvaccinated or received only the influenza vaccine during 2023.
The study evaluated adults enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, identifying those who received RSV vaccination between August 1 and December 31, 2023. Participants were followed for 6 months after vaccination through June 30, 2024. For comparison, individuals who received only the influenza vaccine and those who were unvaccinated (indexed by a primary care visit) were also included.
Researchers employed propensity score matching to balance demographic and clinical characteristics across groups. Generalized linear regression models estimated difference-in-difference outcomes for all-cause inpatient stays, emergency department (ED) visits, outpatient visits, and per-person-per-month (PPPM) health care costs between the 6-month follow-up and the prior 12-month baseline period.
Adults who received both RSV and influenza vaccinations experienced notable reductions in health care utilization compared with their unvaccinated counterparts. Specifically, dual-vaccinated individuals had lower rates of ED visits (16.1% vs 18.6%), fewer inpatient stays (5.1% vs 6.6%), and a 13.5% decrease in PPPM medical costs.
When compared with adults who received only the influenza vaccine, the dual-vaccinated group similarly showed reduced ED utilization (15.6% vs 16.6%), fewer inpatient stays (4.9% vs 5.4%), and a 4.7% reduction in PPPM medical costs. All findings were statistically significant (P < 0.001).
These results underscore the dual clinical and economic advantages of RSV vaccination among older adults. Reduced emergency and inpatient care translates to substantial cost savings and lower health care system burden. For pharmacists and other health care professionals, these findings support efforts to encourage co-administration of RSV and influenza vaccines in eligible populations.
Within 6 months of vaccination, older adults who received both RSV and influenza vaccines demonstrated lower health care utilization and costs compared with those unvaccinated or vaccinated for influenza only. The study reinforces the importance of comprehensive vaccination strategies in mitigating the impact of respiratory illnesses and improving population health outcomes.
Reference
Bowe A, Barger C, Esterly L, Sylwestrzak G, Dixon S, Poonawalla I. Healthcare utilization and costs following RSV and influenza vaccination in older adults in the United States. Curr Med Res Opin. Published online October 29, 2025. doi:10.1080/03007995.2025.2580031
