RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine for Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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What do I need to know about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine?

The vaccine is given as a shot in 1 dose to prevent RSV. Your healthcare provider may recommend the vaccine if you are at high risk for an RSV infection. An RSV infection causes breathing problems because your airways become swollen and filled with fluid and mucus. An RSV infection may lead to other lung problems, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. RSV spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. RSV infection is most common from fall through spring.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

The vaccine may be recommended for the following:

• Adults 75 years or older
• Adults 60 years or older with a chronic health condition or who live in a nursing home
• Pregnant persons between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, or at least 2 weeks before delivery (protects infants)

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I get the RSV vaccine?

• You have a known allergy to any component (part) of the vaccine.
• You take a medicine that weakens your immune system, such as steroids.
• You have a weak immune system, such as from cancer or HIV, or a family history of immune system problems.
• You have atrial fibrillation (a-fib) or other heart disease, a lung disease, or diabetes.
• You have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, especially after you received a vaccine.
• You have severe allergies.
• You are breastfeeding.

What are reasons I should not get the RSV vaccine or should wait to get it?

• Do not get the RSV vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component.
• Wait to get the RSV vaccine if you are sick or have a fever on the vaccine appointment day.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Synagis
• Arexvy
• ribavirin
• Abrysvo
• Virazole

View more treatment options

What are the risks of the RSV vaccine?

The vaccine may cause mild symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain. You may have nausea or diarrhea. You may also have mild to moderate soreness or redness at the area where the shot was given. You may still get RSV after you receive the vaccine. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
• You are wheezing or having trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain or your heart is beating faster than usual.
• You feel like you are going to faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your face is red or swollen.
• You have hives that spread over your body.

When should I call my doctor?

• You feel weak or dizzy.
• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
• You have questions or concerns about the RSV vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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