SARANAC LAKE — Kinney Drugs has opened RSV vaccination appointments for those age 60 and older at all 96 locations in New York and Vermont.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common, highly contagious respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. In older adults, RSV can cause life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis (swelling of the lungs’ small airways). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the U.S., RSV causes up to 120,000 hospitalizations and up to 10,000 deaths among those 65 .

In this region of the country, RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in winter.

In May, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccine for those 60 and older, which is now available at all Kinney Drugs locations. The RSV vaccine can be received at the same time as other vaccinations. To schedule an RSV vaccine appointment, individuals can visit www.kinneydrugs.com.

“Last year, many hospitals were overwhelmed by a ‘tripledemic’ of flu, COVID and RSV, so we were very glad when the FDA approved a vaccine for RSV this year,” said Kinney Drugs President John Marraffa. “It can be administered to expectant mothers by obstetricians to protect newborns, and it can be administered to adults aged 60 and older by our pharmacists. Seniors are at significantly greater risk for serious complications from RSV. And we’re proud that Kinney pharmacists are able to administer this new RSV vaccine help protect them.”