About Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine

Overview

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus, meaning that it is easily spread from person to person. RSV virus is commonly found in children. Most children likely have been infected with RSV by the time they are two years old. In most cases, RSV infection causes a mild, cold-like illness. In some people it can cause severe illness, especially in infants and older adults. In these high-risk groups, RSV illness may cause lower respiratory tract disease that may lead to breathing problems requiring hospitalization. RSV vaccine helps prevent RSV illness.

RSV Vaccine Recommendation

RSV vaccine is currently not an annual vaccine. This means people currently only need one RSV vaccination. They do not need a shot every season, like is needed with flu shots.

People should not get an RSV vaccine if they’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of the vaccine. It is important to consult the healthcare provider for vaccination recommendations based upon individual 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 age 50 through 59 years who are at increased risk for (LRTD) from RSV.

mResvia is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory synctyial 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

  • Pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and sever LRTD caused by respiratory syncytial virus (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 of LRTD caused by RSV

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. It is administered 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 side effects include effects on the nervous system, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is a condition that affects the nerves and can cause weakness.

People who experience a side effect from any vaccination, including RSV vaccination, should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 or at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/vaers/index.html

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?