RSV
What is it?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. RSV can be dangerous and even deadly for babies, toddlers, and older adults. RSV is most common in the fall and winter, much like the flu. Thankfully, there’s a vaccine to protect against RSV.
Why is the vaccine important?
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the U.S. Each year, around 70,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized with RSV. Up to 160,000 adults 65 and older are also hospitalized. Between 100 and 300 children and between 6,000 and 10,000 adults die each year from RSV.
In 2023, new treatments and vaccines were released to help protect against RSV. The treatment for young babies is called nirsevimab. Nirsevimab reduces the risk of severe RSV by 80% and RSV-associated hospitalization by 90%. The two available vaccines for adults are more than 80% effective at preventing RSV-related lung infections.
Vaccine Recommendations
There are multiple options to protect against RSV. Which option is right for you or your child depends on age and risk status.
Protecting infants and high risk toddlers
Abrysvo vaccine
Abrysvo is an RSV vaccine that is given during the RSV season. It is recommended for pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It can protect infants through passive immunity (when a mother passes antibodies to their baby while pregnant). The vaccine provides immediate protection to newborns if given at least 14 days prior to birth. Protection for newborns lasts about 6 months. Pregnant people should only be vaccinated once and do not need to be vaccinated in future pregnancies. Infants born to people vaccinated in a previous pregnancy may get a treatment, nirsevimab, to help protect against RSV.
Nirsevimab
Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) is a treatment that can be given to infants to protect against RSV. It is recommended for infants under 8 months old during their first RSV season:
- If the mother did not receive the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) while pregnant, or
- If the mother received the RSV vaccine within 14 days of giving birth.
Children 8-19 months old at high risk can get nirsevimab during their second RSV season, too. Nirsevimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody. Whereas vaccines teach your immune system how to make its own antibodies when it encounters a virus, monoclonal antibodies provide these antibodies directly. Protection from nirsevimab lasts at least 5 months. It is around 90% effective at preventing hospitalization from RSV for infants in their first RSV season.
Nirsevimab is covered for children who are un- or under-insured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian or Alaska Native through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Most private health insurance plans also cover nirsevimab. There may be a cost depending on the plan. Contact your insurance carrier to see what they will cover.
Palivizumab
Palivizumab (brand name Synagis) is another monoclonal antibody treatment that has been in use since 1998. It is recommended for children under 24 months who are at high risk for RSV. It should be given once per month during the RSV season. If the child receives nirsevimab, there is no need to also get palivizumab.
Protecting adults
Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccines
Three RSV vaccines are available for adults: Abrysvo, mRESVIA, and Arexvy. Adults 75 and older should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, once in their lifetime. Adults 60-74 at high risk for RSV should also get vaccinated. This includes people with certain diseases, those with weakened immune systems, and those in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Pregnant people between 32 and 26 weeks pregnant are eligible to get the Abrysvo vaccine. Getting vaccinated can help protect their newborns from RSV. If a pregnant person gets vaccinated, their baby does not need to receive the RSV treatment, nirsevimab. (However, if the baby was born within 14 days of the mother’s Abrysvo vaccination, nirsevimab is recommended.) Pregnant people should only be vaccinated once and do not need to be vaccinated in future pregnancies.
RSV vaccines are covered at no cost under private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Side Effects
Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause side effects (also known as "adverse reactions"). Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days. Common side effects include fever, headache, or body aches. They can also include redness where the shot was given and tiredness. Side effects are normal. They can even be a good sign that the immune system is working to build antibodies that will fight off future infections!
For nirsevimab, side effects may also include a rash. For RSV vaccines Arexvy and Abrysvo, side effects may also include nausea and diarrhea.
Remember, vaccines are continuously studied. They are also closely monitored for safety. Research continues to show that vaccines are safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks. The risk of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine is rare (about 1 in 1 million). The choice not to vaccinate is ultimately more risky. Not vaccinating may lead to catching a potentially deadly disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about vaccine side effects. In the event of a serious allergic reaction, call 9-1-1.
