The RSV Immunization

The RSV immunization protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common breathing (respiratory) infection that usually causes cold-like symptoms.  Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for infants and older adults.

RSV is the number one cause of infant hospitalizations. Between 100 and 300 children die each year from RSV and complications.

The RSV immunization was introduced in 2023.

Recommended Doses for Infants

The RSV immunization is recommended for most infants. This is especially true if they are born around the time of year when RSV is most active, which is October through March.

Infants can be protected against RSV by one of two options:

• A maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer's ABRYSVO™) given to the mother during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy; or
• An RSV antibody immunization given to the infant.

Most infants will not need both.

For more detail, see RSV Immunization Guidance for Infant and Young Children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Recommended Doses for Others

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the RSV immunization for older adults.

See RSV Immunization Guidance for Older Adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

RSV immunizations, like all immunizations, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the RSV immunization when given to a baby, they most often include pain, redness or swelling where the immunization was given, or a rash.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): The Disease, Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibody (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
• RSV Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• RSV Preventive Antibody Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.