Older woman carrying baby in front pack with words "babies and adults ages 60+ can get added protection from RSV this season"

RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is a common respiratory virus that generally spreads during fall and winter. Nearly all children will get RSV for the first time before the age of two. It’s possible to get RSV more than once and people can get infected at any age.  

Most people with RSV will have only mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be serious for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.  

Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Vaccines for pregnant people or an RSV antibody is available to protect babies from severe RSV.

Talk to your health care provider to see if RSV immunization is recommended for you or your family.

RSV Vaccines for Older Adults

RSV symptoms can be more serious in older adults because our immune systems can weaken with age. The risk is higher for older adults who also have certain medical conditions, like chronic heart or lung diseases or who are immunocompromised.

  • All adults ages 75 and older should get an RSV vaccine.
  • Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV should get an RSV vaccine. This includes if you:
    • Have chronic heart or lung disease
    • Have a weakened immune system
    • Have certain other medical conditions, including severe obesity and severe diabetes
    • Live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

There are three RSV vaccines approved for use in adults 60 and older: 

  • GSK's AREXVY
  • Moderna's mRESVIA
  • Pfizer's ABRYSVO

These vaccines work by causing an immune response that can protect you from respiratory disease if you get RSV in the future.

RSV vaccine is a single dose vaccine that can be given at any time throughout the year but the best time to get vaccinated is late summer through early fall. If you have already received an RSV vaccine as an adult, you do not need another dose.

More on RSV vaccines for older adults (CDC)

RSV Immunizations to Protect Infants

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S. Babies are at higher risk for developing severe RSV because their immune systems and lungs are still developing. Severe RSV can cause lung inflammation (bronchiolitis) or lung infection (pneumonia) that can make breathing difficult. 

All babies are recommended to be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options. Most babies do not need both.

Maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) 

The maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) is recommended if you are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during September through January in most of the U.S. Like other vaccines, the RSV vaccine teaches your immune system to fight disease. Even though you are not at high risk for severe RSV, this vaccine is important because you will pass the protection to your baby. From the time you are vaccinated, it takes two weeks to develop protection (antibodies) and for protection to pass on to your baby.

Protection will last during your baby’s first 6 months, while they are at highest risk of severe RSV.

If you have already received a maternal RSV vaccine during any previous pregnancy, CDC does not currently recommend you get another dose of RSV vaccine when you are pregnant again. Instead, your baby should receive nirsevimab.

RSV antibody (nirsevimab) for babies

Babies younger than 8 months old

An RSV antibody (nirsevimab) is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months of age born to mothers who did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) during pregnancy. A nirsevimab dose should be given to babies shortly before the RSV season, or within 1 week after birth if born during October to March in most of the U.S.

Babies 8 through 19 months old

Nirsevimab is also recommended for a small group of young children 8 through 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV. This nirsevimab dose should be given shortly before the child’s second RSV season. This group includes:

  • Children who were born prematurely and have chronic lung disease
  • Children with severe immunocompromise
  • Children with severe cystic fibrosis
  • American Indian and Alaska Native children

More on RSV immunizations to protect babies (CDC)

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Early real-world data show thatnirsevimab was 80-90% effective in preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. It provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least 5 months. 

Everyday Prevention Steps

Whether it’s RSV, flu, COVID-19, or another contagious illness, these everyday prevention steps can help protect you from getting sick or spreading germs:

  • Stay up to date on available vaccines. Vaccines protect against serious illness and hospitalization. They can make your symptoms milder and shorter if you do get sick.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.

  • Avoid contact with others if you or they are sick.

  • Consider wearing a mask, especially if you or people you are with are at higher risk of serious illness, or if you have recently been around someone with symptoms of a respiratory virus. 

Treatment

Currently, there is no RSV antiviral medicine that can reduce the severity or length of illness. Antibiotics do not treat viruses, like those that cause colds, flu, RSV or COVID-19. 

If you or your child is diagnosed with RSV, treatments may include supportive care at home for mild symptoms or hospitalization for severe symptoms.