Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): What you should know

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another common seasonal virus. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, and most people recover in a week or two. But RSV can cause serious problems that affect the lungs, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, and in severe cases, even death.

Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV. Vaccines are available to protect these age groups from severe RSV.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

Certain groups of people are advised to get an RSV vaccine this fall:

• Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV. These include people with chronic medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
   
• Adults age 75 and older. Everyone in this group should get a single dose of RSV vaccine.
   
• Infants up to 8 months old. Babies up to 8 months should get a dose of the RSV vaccine with monocolonal antibiodies (nirsevimab), if they were born during RSV season (fall through spring).
   
• Pregnant mothers. A maternal vaccine (Pfizer Abrysvo) is available for pregnant mothers at weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to pass on protection to their baby. If you are pregnant, ask your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife whether you should receive an RSV vaccination.
   
• Children 8–19 months old with certain risk factors. Those children who are entering their second RSV season and have increased risk factors for a severe case of RSV should receive a dose of nirsevimab vaccination.

Note for older adults 

The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning older adults do not need to get a dose every RSV season. That means if you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.

The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall — just before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.

If you have any questions about RSV, talk to your health care provider.