VA’s Office of Research and Development released findings on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, a heart disease treatment, and health care for homeless Veterans.

In RSV research, studies from Portland and Seattle showed that a single dose of the vaccine was over 80% effective initially but declined to 60% after two illness seasons. For patients with weakened immune systems, effectiveness dropped from 75% to 40% after 18 months. The vaccine reduced hospitalizations and health care costs but may require a second dose.

In heart disease research, a study from the Philadelphia VA and University of Pennsylvania found that a modified blood cancer treatment reduced arterial plaque in mice by 70%. This treatment targets plaque-causing cells, potentially offering a new approach to atherosclerosis, which causes millions of deaths globally.

For homeless Veterans, research from Greater Los Angeles and Birmingham, Alabama, indicated that specialized Patient-Aligned Care Teams (HPACTs) improved patient experiences. Veterans treated by HPACTs attended more primary care and mental health appointments compared to those in general care, suggesting that tailored care improves access and equity for this group.