Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations
Pronounced (sin-SISH-uhl or RSV)
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) 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. Monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.
CDC Recommendations
Adults aged 60 years and older
- Adults aged 60 years and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine using shared clinical decision-making. For adults ages 60 years and older who decide with their healthcare provider to get an RSV vaccine, the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall — just before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.
Infants and young children
To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, CDC recommends either maternal RSV vaccination or infant immunization with RSV monoclonal antibodies. Most infants will not need both.
Vaccination for pregnant people
- 1 dose of maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, administered September through January. Pfizer Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine recommended during pregnancy.
Immunization for infants and young children
- 1 dose of nirsevimab for all infants aged 8 months and younger born during or entering their first RSV season.
- 1 dose of nirsevimab for infants and children aged 8–19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
- Note: A different monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, is limited to children aged 24 months and younger with certain conditions that place them at high risk for severe RSV disease. It must be given once a month during RSV season. Please see AAP guidelines for palivizumab.
If you have any questions about RSV or the products above, talk to your healthcare provider.