About Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine

Overview

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person, most often through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. RSV can infect people of any age and is especially common in children; most children have been infected by the time they are 2 years old. In most people, RSV causes a mild, cold-like illness. However, it can cause severe illness, especially in infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. In these higher-risk groups, RSV can lead to lower respiratory tract disease, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and may cause breathing problems that require medical care or hospitalization. RSV vaccines help protect eligible people from severe RSV lower respiratory tract disease.

RSV Vaccine Recommendation

RSV vaccine guidance has shifted from shared clinical decision-making for all adults ages 60 years and older to a more risk-based approach. RSV vaccination is currently recommended as a one-time, single-dose vaccine for all adults ages 75 years and older and for adults ages 50 through 74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. For adults ages 50 through 74 years who do not have risk factors, the potential risks and benefits can still be discussed with a healthcare professional. RSV vaccination is not recommended annually. Ideally, eligible adults should get vaccinated in late summer or early fall before RSV usually starts to spread, but vaccination at other times of year is reasonable. People who have already received an RSV vaccine should not receive another dose at this time unless public health recommendations change. RSV vaccine may be given on the same day as other vaccines when recommended.

People should not get an RSV vaccine if they have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of that vaccine. A healthcare professional can help determine whether RSV vaccination is recommended based on age, pregnancy status, medical conditions, and other individual risk factors.

Available RSV Vaccines

Arexvy is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

  • Individuals 60 years of age and older.
  • Individuals 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV.
  • Individuals 18 through 49 years of age who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV.

mResvia is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

  • Individuals 60 years of age and older.
  • Individuals 18 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk of LRTD caused by RSV.

Abrysvo is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for:

  • Pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks’ gestational age to prevent LRTD and severe LRTD caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months of age.
  • The prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older.
  • The prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in individuals 18 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV.

CDC recommends one dose of an FDA-licensed RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 years and older and for adults ages 50 through 74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. During pregnancy, only Pfizer’s Abrysvo is recommended, given as one dose during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, typically during RSV season.

RSV Vaccination

People who have a moderate or severe illness, such as an infection, should wait until they have recovered from the illness before getting the RSV vaccine. It is ok to get the RSV vaccine if you have a minor illness, such as a cold.

RSV vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional as an injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm.

The most common side effects are mild and include:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Fatigue (feeling tired)
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle or joint ache or pain

Rare but serious nervous system events, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, have been reported after RSV vaccination. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a condition that affects the nerves and can cause weakness or, rarely, paralysis. People should seek medical care right away for concerning symptoms after vaccination.

People who experience a side effect after any vaccination, including RSV vaccination, can report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 or at https://vaers.hhs.gov.

Is RSV Vaccine suitable for me?

What are the potential side effects of the RSV Vaccine?

At what stage of pregnancy is the RSV Vaccine typically administered?