What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV.

Immunizations options are also available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.

Should adults get the RSV vaccine?

RSV infections can be dangerous for older adults. However, there is an RSV vaccine that is recommended by the CDC that can help protect adults ages 60 and older.

RSV vaccines are single-dose and have shown to be effective in preventing lower respiratory tract disease among older adults.

As with other vaccines, side effects such as pain, redness and swelling where the shot is given, fatigue (feeling tired), fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea and muscle or joint pain can happen after RSV vaccination. As with any medicine, there is a slight risk for a vaccine to cause an allergic reaction or other mild or severe side effects.

Learn more about RSV Vaccination for Older Adults 60 Years of Age and Over

Should pregnant people get the maternal RSV vaccine?

The maternal RSV vaccination is given to protect babies from getting very sick with RSV during their first RSV season. People who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September through January should get one dose of maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies.

The maternal RSV vaccine is given as a single dose in the mother’s arm and their body responds by making a protein that protects against the virus that causes RSV. The process of developing the proteins (antibodies) takes about 2 weeks which will then pass to their unborn child. Babies born at least 2 weeks after their mother gets the vaccine are protected at birth, when they are most at risk for severe RSV disease. This vaccination reduces the baby's risk of being hospitalized by 57% in the first six months after birth.

Babies born to mothers who get RSV vaccine at least 2 weeks before delivery will have protection and, in most cases, should not need an RSV immunization later.

Learn more about RSV Vaccination for Pregnant People

Can children get the RSV vaccine?

RSV can be dangerous for some infants and young children. Preventive options can protect babies and young children from severe RSV disease and other illnesses caused by RSV.

CDC recommends the use of a RSV monoclonal antibody immunization, Nirsevimab, as follows:

  • For all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during—or who are entering—their first RSV season
  • For children ages 8 to 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season

Nirsevimab, trade name Beyfortus™, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody product, which offers protection from severe illness and reduces the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by about 80%.

The most common side effects after Nirsevimab are rash and irritation where the shot was given. As with any immunization, there is a very remote chance that nirsevimab could cause a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury or death.

Learn more about RSV Immunization for children 19 months and Younger

What is the difference between a monoclonal antibody and a vaccine?

While both vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are injections that prevent infections, there is an important difference.

  • Monoclonal antibodies are preformed, human-made immune proteins that are injected into people and they are ready to fight infections if needed, but they don’t last very long.
  • Vaccines are typically made from fragments of infectious agents that, once injected, “train” your immune system to build natural, longer-lasting defenses that are ready to fight infections whenever needed.