- Design
- Phase 3, open-label, randomised non-inferiority trial
- Population
- 1,112 adults aged 60 and over in Europe and the US
- Primary outcome
- RSV neutralising and pneumococcal opsonophagocytic antibody titres
- Effect
- All primary non-inferiority criteria met for RSV-A, RSV-B and all 20 serotypes
A phase 3, open-label, randomised non-inferiority trial at 38 centres in Europe and the US enrolled 1,112 adults aged 60 and over. They received an adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein vaccine and a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine either together or one month apart. Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases on 7 October 2026.
Immune responses to RSV-A, RSV-B and all 20 pneumococcal serotypes after co-administration were non-inferior to sequential administration. Reactogenicity and safety were similar, with mostly mild to moderate, short-lived reactions. Serious adverse events were rare and judged unrelated.
The trial measured antibody levels, not protection against disease, and was open-label. But the practical message is straightforward: offering both vaccines at one visit removes a second appointment, which is often where older adults are lost. Availability and national recommendations for these vaccines in India vary, so check current guidance before offering them.
- Consider giving RSV and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines at the same visit in adults aged 60 and over
- Use separate injection sites and record both vaccines
- Warn about short-lived local and systemic reactions
- Check current national recommendations and local availability before offering
Why it matters
Each extra appointment loses some older adults; co-administration can raise coverage.
Don't overread it
Antibody levels are a surrogate; the trial did not measure protection from disease.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for geriatrics, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free