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What RSV Is and Why It Matters

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Most people experience RSV as a mild illness similar to a cold, but for certain groups, RSV can become serious. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

RSV occurs in seasonal patterns, typically peaking during fall and winter months in North America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV causes an estimated 58,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths annually among children under age 5 in the United States. Among adults aged 60 and older, RSV causes approximately 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths per year.

Symptoms of RSV typically appear 4 to 6 days after infection and can include cough, fever, congestion, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Most healthy adults recover within 1 to 2 weeks. However, infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions face higher risks of severe illness.

Understanding RSV is the first step toward protecting yourself and others. The virus affects millions of people each year, and new vaccine options have recently become available. Learning about RSV transmission, symptoms, and who faces the greatest risks helps you make informed decisions about prevention strategies.

Practical takeaway: RSV is spread through respiratory droplets and can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations. Recognizing symptoms like persistent cough and wheezing can help identify RSV infections early.

Recent RSV Vaccine Approvals and What They Mean

In 2023, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccines for human use, marking a significant development in vaccine history. Two vaccines designed specifically to protect against RSV became available: one for adults aged 60 and older, and another for infants through a maternal immunization approach. These approvals followed decades of research and clinical trials.

The RSV vaccine approved for older adults is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it contains a non-infectious form of a key RSV protein. Clinical trials showed this vaccine reduced the risk of severe RSV disease by approximately 82 to 94 percent in adults aged 60 and older. For infants, a maternal RSV vaccine was approved, which pregnant people receive to pass protective antibodies to their babies before birth.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has made recommendations about RSV vaccination. For older adults, the vaccine may be offered to those aged 60 and older, particularly those at higher risk for severe RSV disease. For infants, the maternal vaccine may be offered during pregnancy, typically between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Different vaccine manufacturers may have different products available, and availability varies by location and healthcare setting. Vaccines are administered through doctors' offices, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers. Understanding what these vaccines contain and how they work helps you have informed conversations with your healthcare provider about whether vaccination might be appropriate for your situation.

Practical takeaway: New RSV vaccines reduce severe disease risk by 82 to 94 percent in older adults and provide infant protection through maternal vaccination. Learning how these vaccines work helps you discuss options with your doctor.

Who Might Consider RSV Vaccination

RSV vaccination may be considered for different groups of people depending on age and health status. For adults aged 60 and older, the RSV vaccine may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider, especially those with certain conditions or circumstances that increase RSV risk.

Older adults at higher risk for severe RSV include those with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or those living in long-term care facilities. Adults aged 75 and older generally face higher risk of severe RSV illness. People who care for infants or young children, work in healthcare settings, or have frequent contact with vulnerable populations might also consider vaccination.

For infants, the situation differs. The maternal RSV vaccine is intended for pregnant people to receive during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester. This approach transfers protective antibodies to the baby before birth. An RSV monoclonal antibody injection is also available for infants at highest risk, including those born prematurely, those with certain heart or lung conditions, or those who are immunocompromised.

Health factors that may increase RSV risk include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart failure, kidney disease, and immunosuppressive conditions or treatments. Living situation matters too—people in congregate settings like nursing homes have higher exposure risk. Your individual circumstances, medical history, and risk factors are unique, which is why a conversation with your healthcare provider is important.

Practical takeaway: Older adults with chronic conditions, those aged 75 and older, and pregnant people expecting to give birth during RSV season are among those who might discuss RSV vaccination with their doctor.

Information About RSV Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Clinical trials of RSV vaccines involved thousands of participants and monitored safety data carefully. Like all vaccines, RSV vaccines can cause side effects, though most are mild and temporary. Understanding what to expect helps you recognize normal responses versus reactions that need medical attention.

Common side effects reported in clinical trials for the RSV vaccine in older adults included injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. General body reactions such as fatigue, muscle aches, and headache also occurred in some people. These side effects typically resolve within a few days and do not prevent most people from carrying out normal activities.

In clinical trials, serious side effects were rare. The safety monitoring that occurs after a vaccine is approved continues indefinitely through systems like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). Healthcare providers are trained to identify and manage any reactions that do occur, and emergency medical care is available if needed.

For the maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, clinical trials included pregnant people and their infants to monitor safety. Serious adverse events in these trials were uncommon. As with any medication given during pregnancy, benefits and potential risks should be discussed with the healthcare provider managing the pregnancy.

Individual reactions vary—some people experience no side effects, while others have mild temporary reactions. Pre-existing health conditions, age, and other medications can influence how someone responds. Your healthcare provider can discuss your personal medical history and any concerns you have about vaccine safety.

Practical takeaway: RSV vaccine side effects are typically mild and temporary, consisting mainly of injection site soreness and fatigue. Serious side effects in clinical trials were uncommon.

How to Learn More and Find Resources

Several reliable government and health organizations provide detailed information about RSV and RSV vaccines. The CDC website offers current information about RSV disease, vaccine recommendations, and where to find vaccines in your area. The CDC's vaccine safety monitoring systems track outcomes after vaccines are distributed to ensure ongoing safety.

The FDA website contains approved vaccine information, including the prescribing information for each RSV vaccine product. This prescribing information includes details about ingredients, how the vaccine works, who should and should not receive it, and what side effects may occur. Healthcare providers also receive this detailed information before administering vaccines.

Your personal healthcare provider—whether a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant—is an excellent resource for discussing RSV vaccination. They understand your medical history, current health conditions, medications, and personal risk factors. A conversation with your provider can help you determine whether RSV vaccination is appropriate for your situation and address any individual concerns.

Many local health departments and community health centers provide vaccination services and can answer questions about RSV vaccines. Pharmacists at retail pharmacies also receive training about vaccines and can discuss vaccination options. Some employers and long-term care facilities offer information sessions about RSV vaccination for their residents or employees.

Medical journals and peer-reviewed research contain detailed studies about RSV vaccine effectiveness and safety. Your healthcare provider can direct you to studies relevant to your situation. Patient education materials from reputable health organizations explain RSV and vaccination in plain language suitable for general audiences.

Practical takeaway: The CDC and FDA websites offer reliable information, and your healthcare provider can discuss whether RSV vaccination fits your personal health profile.

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