Session to review latest science, recommendations for vaccines against respiratory infections

Vaccines play a critical role in reducing the disease burden of respiratory viral infections; protecting vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals who are immunocompromised; and preventing pandemics. However, clinicians face significant challenges in promoting patient uptake, particularly in the face of misinformation about vaccine efficacy and safety.

A panel of experts will review the current practice recommendations and the science behind them for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines during the CHEST 2025 session Vaccines Against Respiratory Infections: State-of-the-Art Update on Sunday, October 19, at 4 pm CT in McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Room 450A. Charles Dela Cruz, MD, PhD, Visiting Professor of Medicine and Director of the Acute Lung Injury and Infection Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will chair the session.

“As we enter the respiratory season—and given the current circumstances that may be causing uncertainty among our patients—we felt it was essential to provide CHEST meeting attendees with a clear, evidence-based update on vaccine recommendations,” he said.

Dr. Dela Cruz will open the session with an update on the seasonal influenza vaccines, the rationale behind changes in the current formulation, and the implications for clinical care.

“This remains a critical topic, as the composition of the flu vaccine is updated annually to reflect changes in circulating viral strains,” he said. “In addition, I will provide a brief overview of recent avian influenza outbreaks. Although the current public health risk is considered low, it continues to warrant careful monitoring.”

Kristina Crothers, MD, FCCP, of the University of Washington School of Medicine, will review current practice recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

“As we transition from the pandemic phase to the endemic phase of COVID, questions remain about vaccine recommendations and who would benefit most from vaccination,” Dr. Dela Cruz said. “With recent increases in COVID-19 cases, it is critical to follow the current science-based recommendations to ensure protection of our most vulnerable and high-risk patients.”

Ashley Losier, MD, of the Yale School of Medicine, will update attendees on recommendations for the RSV vaccine.

“The RSV vaccine is particularly exciting, with two new vaccines recently approved for adults by the FDA,” Dr. Dela Cruz said. “Dr. Losier will review the pivotal clinical trials that supported their approval, highlight ongoing studies in younger populations, and share some early real-world experiences with the vaccines.”

Lastly, Marcos Restrepo, MD, PhD, FCCP, of the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, will review current practice recommendations for pneumococcal vaccines. Unlike flu vaccines, formulations for pneumococcal vaccines do not change every year, but updates and recommendations do evolve, making it essential for clinicians to stay up to date not only on the latest guidance but also on strategies to encourage vaccination in eligible patients, Dr. Dela Cruz said.

“Ensuring the right vaccines reach the right people is fundamental to protecting public health,” he said. “It is more important than ever for physicians to remain up to date on the most current evidence-based recommendations.”