Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a very common cause of respiratory tract infection, particularly in children. The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and adults over the age of 60 to protect infants and older adults against RSV respiratory infection, which can cause serious disease in these age groups.
For more information, see RSV Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)
Administration of RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine (Pfizer) is indicated for pregnant women at 32 to 36 weeks gestation from September through January in most of the continental United States. In locations with RSV seasonality that differs from most of the continental United States (for example, Alaska, locations with a tropical climate), timing is based on local RSV seasonality. Giving the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect the newborn from RSV for about 6 months after birth because protective antibodies transfer from mother to fetus through the placenta. The vaccine should be administered regardless of previous RSV infection.
The RSV vaccines (Pfizer or GlaxoSmithKline) are available for adults age 60 years or older, and the decision to receive the vaccine should be made using shared clinical decision-making based on discussions with a healthcare professional. Older adults most likely to benefit from the vaccine are those considered to be at increased risk for severe RSV disease, including those with chronic medical conditions such as
Lung diseases
Cardiovascular diseases
Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Hematologic disorders
Diabetes
Moderate or severe immunocompromise (either attributable to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatment)
People who are frail, of advanced age, or who reside in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities are also at high risk of severe RSV infection.
Side Effects of RSV Vaccine
Side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, muscle aches and pain, headache, and joint stiffness.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): RSV Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations
