RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions

RSV immunizations are recommended only for these groups:

  • Adults ages 60 and older: Two RSV vaccines (GSK Arexvy and Pfizer Abrysvo) have been licensed by FDA and recommended by CDC for adults ages 60 and older, using shared clinical decision-making.
  • Pregnant women: One RSV vaccine (Pfizer Abrysvo) has been licensed and recommended during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants.
  • Infants and some young children: An RSV preventive antibody has been licensed and recommended for infants and some young children.

RSV infections can be dangerous for certain adults. Each year, it is estimated that between 60,000-160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized and 6,000-10,000 die due to RSV infection. Adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include:

  • Older adults
  • Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
  • Adults with weakened immune systems
  • Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions
  • Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
An RSV vaccine protects against serious disease

A single dose of an RSV vaccine can help protect adults aged 60 years and older from getting very sick from RSV. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if vaccination is right for you. If you haven’t yet received a dose and you decide with your healthcare provider to get one, the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in the community. This timing ensures you’re protected by the time RSV starts to spread in your community and ensures you get maximum protection during the winter months.

If you are eligible for an RSV vaccine, you can get it at the same time you get other recommended vaccines, such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines. For information about where to find vaccines in your area, visit Vaccine Information for Adults | Where to Find Adult Vaccines | CDC.

Severe RSV

When an adult gets an RSV infection, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop a lung infection or pneumonia.

RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of serious conditions such as:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe
  • Congestive heart failure – when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen through the body

Adults 60 and older who are at increased risk include those with certain chronic medical conditions, those who are elderly or frail, and those living in nursing homes. Older adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized. Some may even die.

What you should do if you or a loved one is at increased risk for severe RSV disease
Elderly woman washing her hands

It is important for adults 60 and older to talk to their healthcare provider about RSV vaccines. For older adults who decide, with their healthcare provider, to get an RSV vaccine, the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.

If you are at increased risk for severe RSV, or if you interact with an older adult, take everyday preventive measures to keep yourself and others healthy:

  • Wash your hands often
    Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people
    Avoid close contact, such as kissing, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who have cold-like symptoms.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
    Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash afterward.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces
    Clean surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices. When people infected with RSV touch surfaces and objects, they can leave behind germs. Also, when they cough or sneeze, droplets containing germs can land on surfaces and objects.
  • Stay home when you are sick
    If possible, stay home from work, school, and public areas when you are sick. This will help protect others from catching your illness.
Fact sheet - Older Adults are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection.

Older Adults Are at High Risk for Severe RSV Illness

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