RSV Vaccine Administration Frequency
No, the RSV vaccine is not given yearly—adults should receive only a single lifetime dose, which provides protection for at least two consecutive RSV seasons. 1
Current Dosing Recommendation
- A single lifetime dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for all eligible adults, with no annual or booster doses indicated at this time. 1, 2
- Adults who have previously received any RSV vaccine should not receive another dose. 2
- Current evidence demonstrates that one dose provides protection lasting through at least two RSV seasons, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will evaluate the need for additional doses in the future as more data become available. 1, 2
Duration of Protection by Vaccine Type
- RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) maintains efficacy for at least three seasons in adults aged ≥60 years. 1
- RSVpreF (Abrysvo) maintains efficacy for at least two seasons in adults aged ≥60 years. 1
- The single-dose recommendation applies to all three FDA-approved RSV vaccines (RSVPreF3, RSVpreF, and mRNA-1345). 2
Optimal Timing for the Single Dose
- Eligible adults who have not previously received RSV vaccination may be vaccinated at any time of year. 2
- Vaccination should preferably be administered between September and November (or August-October), before or early in the RSV season, to maximize protection during peak transmission months. 1, 2, 3
- The vaccine can be co-administered with seasonal influenza vaccine at different injection sites, though some studies show numerically lower antibody titers when co-administered. 1, 3
Who Should Receive the Single Dose
- All adults aged ≥75 years should receive RSV vaccination regardless of comorbidities, due to significantly elevated rates of hospitalization, severe disease, and mortality. 1, 2, 3
- Adults aged 60-74 years with chronic medical conditions (COPD, asthma, heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, immunocompromise, or nursing home residence) should receive vaccination. 1, 2, 3
- For adults aged 50-59 years with risk factors, RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) is the only vaccine currently approved. 1, 2, 3
Important Clinical Caveats
- This is fundamentally different from influenza vaccination, which requires annual administration—RSV vaccine is a one-time intervention. 2
- Previous RSV infection does not confer long-lasting immunity and does not contraindicate vaccination, as reinfections are common. 1, 3
- Patient attestation alone is sufficient evidence of risk factors; extensive medical documentation should not be required to avoid barriers to vaccination. 2, 3