Most people who get respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have mild, cold-like symptoms and recover in a week or two. But RSV can be serious, for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that all adults age 75 and older, and adults aged 50-74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, should receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine to prevent severe illness.
Which older adults are at highest risk for severe RSV infection?
Each year, an estimated 60,000 to 160,000 older adults are hospitalized and 6,000 to 10,000 die due to RSV infections. Adults with the highest risk of severe infection include:
Older adults
Adults with chronic heart and lung disease
Adults with weakened immune systems
Adults with underlying medical conditions
Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
Can pregnant women get the RSV vaccine?
The CDC also recommends that pregnant women in their third trimester should get the RSV vaccine. The vaccine has been proven to help protect babies after they are born from a serious RSV illness. The vaccine is usually given between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
People with RSV infections usually show symptoms similar to the common cold – a runny nose and a fever. But people who are at a high risk of severe infection have more pneumonia symptoms like difficulty breathing and bad cough.
How can I get vaccinated?
If you are an adult over age 60 or are 32 – 36 weeks pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about your options for RSV vaccination.
If you are a parent of a child, please talk to your doctor. You can learn more about RSV in children, medicines available to prevent RSV, and steps you can take to prevent the disease at the UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital site.
Is RSV covered by insurance?
Because the vaccine is newly approved, not all insurance companies are providing coverage. It is best to talk to your insurance company to see if you are covered.
Can I get an RSV vaccine with my flu or COVID-19 shot?
Yes. The RSV vaccine can be given on the same day with other adult vaccines.
Learn how Doxy-PEP can help reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections after exposure, who may benefit, and how it works.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.
