RSV vaccine

One of the most contagious respiratory illnesses is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. It’s common in the U.S. during the fall, winter and early spring months when other illness such as cold, flu and COVID-19 are prevalent. RSV can have severe complications for infants, older adults and immunocompromised people, and they may require hospitalization if they get very sick. Severe RSV develops when the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract (airways and lungs).

As part of our preventive care offerings, Aurora Health Care recommends these newly approved vaccinations and antibody treatments to help lessen the severity of RSV in these high-risk groups.

What is the RSV vaccine?

The RSV vaccine for adults was developed to provide certain people with active immunization, which stimulates the immune system to fight infection. The CDC approved two new shots to help protect people older than 60 and pregnant people from severe RSV.

What is the RSV antibody treatment?

The RSV vaccine for babies protects young infants through passive immunization, which directly provides antibodies instead of stimulating the immune system. Babies and toddlers who are at a higher risk for RSV complications may also be eligible for this treatment. Find out more about children’s vaccinations.

Who should get the RSV vaccines or antibody treatment?

Severe RSV disease can make older adults, infants and pregnant people very sick, and it can even be life-threatening. Ask your doctor about RSV shots for yourself or your baby.

• Adults 60 years and older can get Arexvy or Abrysvo, one of two new RSV shots for adults.
• Pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks are also eligible for Abrysvo, which offers protection to them and their unborn baby.
• Babies eight months and younger who were born during or are entering their first RSV season should get the RSV antibody treatment.
• Babies and toddlers 8 to 19 months old who have an increased risk of RSV complications and are entering their second RSV season may also be eligible.

If their mother receives the RSV vaccine while pregnant, infants are already protected against severe RSV and won’t need to get the antibody treatment once born. Learn more about the recommended vaccinations during pregnancy.

When is the RSV vaccine or antibody treatment given?

Because RSV season ranges from November to March in the U.S., adults 60 years and older and pregnant people can get their RSV immunization as early as September. Your provider can recommend the right timing depending on transmission in your area. It’s safe to get your RSV shot with other vaccines, such as flu or COVID-19, but possible side effects may be worsened when immunizations are given at the same time.

The RSV antibody treatment is most often administered to babies between October and March. Even though the RSV shot is a newly approved treatment and hasn’t been a standard vaccine until now, it’s recommended for all infants. It’s safe for your child to get their RSV antibody treatment with other childhood immunizations.

What are the side effects of the RSV shot?

As with other immunizations, adults may experience mild RSV shot side effects. These include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Muscle or joint pain

In clinical trials, babies and toddlers didn’t experience side effects beyond pain, redness or swelling at the injection site as often as adults. However, a rash was another possible side effect.

How long does the RSV vaccine last?

While research on the effectiveness of the vaccine is still ongoing, the RSV shot has been shown to offer protection for two RSV seasons.

Alternately, the RSV antibody treatment protects infants against severe RSV for just one season. However, after that time, your child’s immune system will be strong enough to fight infections on its own. Children 8-19 months old with underlying conditions may be eligible to receive another immunization entering their second RSV season.