Where to Obtain the RSV Vaccine
RSV vaccines are available at pharmacies, primary care clinics, and healthcare facilities that routinely administer adult vaccines—the same locations where you would receive influenza or pneumococcal vaccines. 1
Specific Locations for RSV Vaccination
Primary Access Points
- Community pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and independent pharmacies) that offer adult immunization services 1
- Primary care physician offices including family medicine and internal medicine practices 1
- Specialty clinics for patients with chronic conditions (pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology clinics) 1
- Public health departments and community health centers 1
Who Should Receive the Vaccine
All adults aged ≥75 years should receive RSV vaccination regardless of other health conditions. 1, 2
Adults aged 60-74 years with any of the following risk factors should receive RSV vaccination: 1, 2
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other chronic lung disease
- Heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Diabetes mellitus (especially with complications)
- Chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²)
- Moderate or severe immunocompromise
- Residence in a nursing home
- Frailty or neurologic/neuromuscular conditions
Adults aged 50-59 years with risk factors can receive RSVPreF3 (Arexvy), which is the only vaccine approved for this age group. 1, 2
Practical Considerations
Timing of Vaccination
- The vaccine should ideally be administered between August and October (or September to November) before the RSV season begins 1, 2
- The vaccine can be given at any time of year, but protection is maximized when given before RSV season 1
Administration Details
- Only a single lifetime dose is currently recommended—adults who have already received RSV vaccination should not receive another dose 1, 2
- The vaccine can be co-administered with influenza vaccine at different injection sites during the same visit 1, 2
- Patient attestation of risk factors is sufficient—extensive medical documentation should not be required 1, 2
Important Caveats
- For cancer patients, vaccine effectiveness is unknown, and consultation with infectious disease specialists may be warranted 1, 2
- Protein subunit RSV vaccines carry a potential risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which should be discussed with patients 1
- Previous RSV infection does not provide long-lasting immunity and does not contraindicate vaccination 2
If Vaccine Supply is Limited
Priority should be given to: 1, 2
- Adults aged ≥75 years
- Adults aged 50-74 years with multiple comorbidities
- Residents of long-term care facilities