GSK's RSV Vaccine Shows Reductions in Certain RSV-Related Risks

Real-world study finds associations with lower rates of RSV-related hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and respiratory flare-ups in older adults

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A retrospective cohort study in the US found that GSK's adjuvanted recombinant RSV vaccine was associated with a 75.6% reduction in RSV-related hospitalizations, a 63.1% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, and a 74.4% and 61.6% reduction in severe COPD and asthma flare-ups, respectively, among adults aged 60 and older. A separate study in Denmark also showed 100% vaccine effectiveness in preventing RSV-related hospitalizations in COPD patients 60 and older.

Why it matters

RSV can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death in older adults, especially those with underlying conditions like heart disease and lung disease. These real-world data suggest GSK's RSV vaccine may help reduce the burden of RSV and related complications in this vulnerable population.

The details

The US study included over 2.5 million people, with 520,440 vaccinated individuals matched to 2,081,760 unvaccinated individuals. The vaccine was associated with significant reductions in RSV-related hospitalizations, major adverse cardiovascular events, and severe exacerbations of COPD and asthma during RSV-related hospitalizations among adults 60 and older. A separate Danish study found 100% vaccine effectiveness in preventing RSV-related hospitalizations in COPD patients 60 and older.

  • The vaccinated group received vaccination between August 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024, and the study observed risk reductions in this season.

The players

GSK plc

A global biopharma company that developed the adjuvanted recombinant RSV vaccine.

Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA

Director of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and the Dr. Valentin Fuster Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Christian Felter

GSK Global Medical Lead, RSV.

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What they’re saying

“In the real-world data being presented at RSVVW'26, it is observed that RSV vaccination could help reduce the risk of certain serious RSV-related outcomes, potentially including major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, as well as severe flare-ups of COPD and asthma. These new data are a significant step in our understanding of how to help prevent such RSV-related health outcomes. I look forward to more data investigating this association further.”

— Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA, Director of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and the Dr. Valentin Fuster Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York

“These data underscore the value of our RSV vaccine in its observed association with helping to prevent RSV-related hospitalisation and reducing the risk of acute events of certain chronic conditions associated with this potentially serious disease. We are proud of our contribution at the forefront of generating innovative research in RSV to inform the clinical community and improve outcomes for patients.”

— Christian Felter, GSK Global Medical Lead, RSV

What’s next

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The takeaway

These real-world data suggest GSK's RSV vaccine may help reduce the burden of RSV and related complications, including cardiovascular events and respiratory flare-ups, in older adults - a population at high risk for severe RSV disease. This adds to the growing evidence on the potential value of RSV vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations.