RSV Vaccines Are Now Available
Published: June 15, 2024 Revised: October 20th, 2025
Three respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults are available to the public. In addition, an RSV monoclonal antibody preventive therapy is available for infants and young children. The vaccines and monoclonal antibody are available at most major U.S. pharmacies.
Why are RSV vaccines important? People with asthma who are diagnosed with RSV are at risk for more serious illness. Infants and young children who get severe RSV are at risk for developing asthma.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older. Each is administered as a single dose:
Can people under the age of 60 get the RSV vaccine? Yes. Abrysvo and mRESVIA are approved for adults 18-59 years of age who are at increased risk for lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV. Arexvy is approved for adults ages 50-59 who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV.
Abrysvo can also be given during pregnancy to prevent RSV in newborns and infants through 6 months of age. It is approved for use at 32 through 36 weeks gestational stage of pregnancy.
RSV is very common in young children. FDA has approved an RSV monoclonal antibody to protect infants and newborns. The monoclonal antibody acts similar to a vaccine:
- Beyfortus® (nirsevimab)
Abrysvo is a Pfizer RSV vaccine. Arexvy is a GSK RSV vaccine. Moderna manufactures mRESVIA. AstraZeneca and Sanofi are the makers of Beyfortus.
Who should get an RSV vaccine?
FDA approvals and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance differ somewhat on the recommended age ranges for the RSV vaccine. FDA bases its decisions on the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. CDC takes a broader view. CDC weighs the risks and benefits alongside the overall public health impact.
According to CDC, the RSV immunizations are recommended for:
- Adults over age 75
- Adults ages 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease
- Pregnant women (Abrysvo only) to prevent RSV in newborns and infants – approved for use at 32 through 36 weeks gestational stage of pregnancy.
The RSV monoclonal antibody is recommended for:
- Newborns and infants experiencing their first RSV season (September to April)
- Children up to 2 years of age who are in their second RSV season and at high risk for severe disease.
Talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician about getting protected against RSV, especially if you have a lung disease such as asthma or COPD. The RSV vaccine may also be helpful for people with weakened immune systems.
How does the RSV vaccine work?
RSV vaccines teach your body to make antibodies against a key protein the virus uses to get into your cells. These antibodies help your immune system recognize RSV and fight it off if you’re exposed.
Monoclonal antibodies work a little differently. Instead of training your body, they give you lab-made antibodies right away. This provides instant protection, especially for babies and young children who are at higher risk.
The Arexvy RSV vaccine also includes an ingredient called an adjuvant. An adjuvant helps boost your immune system’s response so the vaccine works better.
You can get the RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines, if you choose. Some people may prefer to space them out, but it’s safe to get them together.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus, especially in children. It can cause fever, coughing, wheezing, runny nose and decreased appetite. RSV is very contagious. By the time children are 2 or 3 years old, most have had it at least once.
RSV is common in adults, too. For many, symptoms are treatable. But for some, symptoms may turn severe and require hospitalization. Severe symptoms include fever, severe cough and wheeze, rapid breathing and/or difficulty breathing.
Research into RSV’s impact on adults ages 65 and older has found that:
- RSV causes approximately 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations each year
- RSV causes 6,000-10,000 deaths each year
The RSV season starts in the fall and usually lasts until spring.
Is the RSV vaccine effective?
Each of the RSV vaccines are considered very effective.
Abrysvo clinical trials involved 37,000 adults 60+ years old. The vaccine was 85.7% effective against more severe RSV illness, defined by three or more symptoms.
A separate clinical trial of 3,500 people evaluated Abrysvo during pregnancy. When given to pregnant people, Abrysvo reduced the risk of severe lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) by 81.8% within 90 days after birth. Within 180 days after birth, it reduced the risk of severe LRTD by 69.4%.
Arexvy clinical trials involved 25,000 adults 60+ years of age. The vaccine showed the following:
- 82.6% effectiveness against LRTD caused by RSV;
- 94.1% effectiveness against severe cases of LRTD caused by RSV;
- 94.6% effectiveness in adults with at least one underlying medical condition.
Arexvy showed similar vaccine effectiveness in clinical trials for the 50-59 age group.
mRESVIA clinical trials involved 37,000 adults ages 60+ years of age from 22 countries. The vaccine proved to be 83.7% effective against LRTD from RSV. It showed continued protection approximately 8.6 months after the dose.
Beyfortus underwent three clinical trials. It reduced risk of severe RSV infection by 75% in infants and children ages 2 and younger. For children born prematurely (making them more susceptible to severe illness), it reduced the risk of severe RSV by 70%.
What are the side effects of RSV vaccination?
Side effects from a dose of RSV vaccine may include pain, redness and swelling where the shot is given. It also may involve fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain. These side effects are usually mild.
You should not get an RSV vaccine if you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine. Information about the RSV vaccines can be found on the manufacturer websites or package inserts.
When is the best time to get the RSV vaccine?
You can get the RSV vaccine at any time. But the best time to get it is before RSV season, which starts in September. That means you should seek RSV vaccination in late summer or early fall. That way it provides protection for the coming RSV season and longer.
If you have a common respiratory virus and symptoms are severe at the time of vaccination, you may have to wait to get the vaccine until you’re fully recovered.
Should I get the RSV vaccine every year?
The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine. According to CDC, protection from a single dose is expected to last at least two years, and possibly longer.
Reviewed by:
Purvi Parikh, MD, FACAAI is an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill in New York City. She is on faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor in both departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine.
