RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine: What You Need to Know

RSV vaccine

There are two immunization options available for protecting infants against RSV: maternal vaccine for the pregnant person or preventive antibodies given to the baby. Only one of these options is needed for most babies to be protected.

CDC recommends a one-time dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant people from week 32 through week 36 of pregnancy for the prevention of RSV disease in their infants during the first 6 months of life. This vaccine is recommended to be given from September through January for most of the United States. However, in some locations (for example, the territories, Hawaii, Alaska, and parts of Florida), the timing of vaccination may differ based on the time of year when RSV circulates in the area.

CDC recommends a one-time-dose of RSV vaccine for everyone 75 years and older and for adults 60 through 74 years of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Adults 60 through 74 years old who are at increased risk include those with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or certain other chronic medical conditions, and those who are residents of nursing homes.

RSV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Talk with your health care provider

Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:

• Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of RSV vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone RSV vaccination until a future visit.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting RSV vaccine.

Your health care provider can give you more information.

Risks of a vaccine reaction

• 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.

Serious neurologic conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), have been reported after RSV vaccination in some older adults. At this time, an increased risk of GBS following RSV vaccine among persons aged 60 years and older cannot be confirmed or ruled out.

Preterm birth and high blood pressure during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, have been reported among pregnant people who received RSV vaccine. It is unclear whether these events were caused by the vaccine.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

V-Safe is a safety monitoring system that lets you share with CDC how you, or your dependent, feel after getting RSV vaccine. You can find information and enroll in V-Safe at vsafe.cdc.gov.

What if there is a serious problem?

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

• Ask your health care provider.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information at www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
  • Visit CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Vaccine Information Statement

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine

10/17/2024

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Many vaccine information statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See www.immunize.org/vis

Hojas de información sobre vacunas están disponibles en español y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis