The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is hosting a clinical trial for a vaccine that promises to protect senior citizens against the respiratory disease known as R-S-V. Dr. Patricia Winokur, executive dean of the U-I Carver College of Medicine, says many of the trial’s participants are grandparents.
The Centers for Disease Control is expected to meet this week to make recommendations on the usage of the G-S-K and Pfizer (FY-zer) vaccines. Both were approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults 60 and older last month. Winokur says the vaccine might be best for seniors who have underlying conditions.
During the past few winters, the U-S has experienced an unusually high amount of respiratory virus activity driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine could be available as soon as this fall.
