Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (severe lower respiratory illness), pneumonia, bronchiolitis 

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Adults

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    • All adults 75 years and older, adults 50-74 years with certain health conditions – one dose 
    • Pregnant people between 32 weeks 0 days-36 weeks 6 days of pregnancy who have not had RSV vaccine before – one dose September through January

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against mild RSV infection symptoms like runny nose, congestion, cough, fever, lack of energy and appetite
    • Protects against more severe RSV infection which can cause:
      • Bronchitis (infection of the large breathing tubes)
      • Bronchiolitis (infection of the small breathing tubes)
      • Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
      • Croup (infection of the voice box)
      • Apnea (temporary stopping of breathing)
      • Worsening of asthma or other chronic conditions
      • Hospitalization or death 
    • Vaccination during pregnancy provides protection to the infant after birth.
    • Helps stop the virus from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle aches
    • Headache
    • Joint pain

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • Arexvy – 1 dose for older adults
    • mResvia – 1 dose for older adults
    • Abrysvo – 1 dose for older adults and pregnant people

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Do older adults need an RSV vaccine each respiratory illness season?

    Only one dose in a lifetime is currently recommended for eligible adults. The RSV vaccine is not currently recommended annually. 

     

    Do pregnant people need an RSV vaccine each pregnancy?

    The RSV vaccine is currently not recommended for pregnant people who have already received the vaccine during a previous pregnancy. If a pregnant person does not receive the RSV vaccine during their current pregnancy, the baby should receive monoclonal antibodies before their first RSV season.