Is there an immunization available for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

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Last updated: January 17, 2026 • View editorial policy

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RSV Immunization Availability

Yes, RSV immunizations are now available and include vaccines for adults and older adults, maternal vaccines for protecting infants, and monoclonal antibodies for infants.

Available RSV Immunizations by Population

For Adults and Older Adults (Vaccines)

Two RSV vaccines are currently available in the United States and many other countries for active immunization of adults: 1

  • RSVPreF3 (Arexvy): A recombinant RSV pre-fusion F protein adjuvanted with AS01E, approved for adults aged ≥50 years with risk factors and all adults aged ≥60 years 1

  • RSVpreF (Abrysvo): A recombinant bivalent RSV-A and RSV-B pre-fusion F protein, approved for adults aged ≥60 years 1

  • A third mRNA-based RSV vaccine (mRNA-1345) has been approved in Europe for adults aged ≥60 years, though it is not available in all countries 1

For Infants (Passive Immunization)

Two strategies exist to protect infants from severe RSV disease:

  • Maternal vaccination: RSVpreF (Abrysvo) is approved for administration during pregnancy (weeks 24-36 or 28-36 depending on region) to provide passive protection to infants from birth through 6 months of age 1, 2

  • Monoclonal antibody: Palivizumab (Synagis) has been available since 1998 for monthly injections during RSV season in high-risk infants, including those born prematurely (≤35 weeks), those with chronic lung disease, or those with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease 3, 4, 5

  • A newer long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody has recently been approved, offering single-dose protection for an entire RSV season 2

Who Should Receive RSV Vaccination

Adults Aged ≥75 Years

All adults aged ≥75 years should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine regardless of comorbidities, due to significantly elevated rates of hospitalization, severe disease, and mortality. 1, 6

Adults Aged 60-74 Years with Risk Factors

Adults in this age group should receive RSV vaccination if they have any of the following conditions: 1, 6

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 1, 6
  • Asthma 1, 6
  • Heart failure or coronary artery disease 1, 6
  • Diabetes mellitus 1, 6
  • Chronic kidney disease 1, 6
  • Chronic liver disease 1, 6
  • Immunocompromise (including solid organ or stem cell transplant recipients, cancer patients, those on immunosuppressive medications) 1, 6
  • Frailty or dementia 1
  • Residence in a nursing home or long-term care facility 1
  • Severe obesity 6, 7
  • Chronic neurological or neuromuscular conditions 1, 6

Adults Aged 50-59 Years with Risk Factors

For adults aged 50-59 years with the above risk factors, RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) is the only vaccine currently approved. 1, 6

Administration Guidelines

Dosing

A single lifetime dose of RSV vaccine is currently recommended for adults, with no booster doses indicated at this time. 6, 8, 7

Timing

The vaccine should preferably be administered between September and November (or August-October in some regions), before or early in the RSV season, to maximize protection during peak transmission months. 1, 8

Co-administration

RSV vaccine can be co-administered with seasonal influenza vaccine at different injection sites, though some studies show numerically lower antibody titers for both vaccines when given together. 1, 8, 7

  • The clinical significance of lower antibody titers with co-administration remains unknown 8, 7
  • Data on co-administration with pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and COVID-19 vaccines are currently lacking 1, 7

Vaccine Efficacy and Duration

First Season Efficacy

RSVPreF3 demonstrates 82.6% efficacy against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease and 94.1% efficacy against severe disease in the first season. 1, 7

RSVpreF shows 88.9% efficacy against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection with ≥3 symptoms in the first season. 1, 7

Duration of Protection

RSVPreF3 maintains efficacy for at least three consecutive RSV seasons, while RSVpreF maintains efficacy for at least two seasons. 6, 8

  • Current evidence supports a single lifetime dose, with the need for additional doses to be evaluated as more long-term data become available 6, 8

Important Clinical Considerations

Documentation Requirements

Patient attestation alone is sufficient evidence of risk factors, and vaccination should not be denied due to lack of formal medical documentation. 6, 8, 7

Previous RSV Infection

Previous RSV infection does not confer long-lasting immunity and does not contraindicate vaccination, as reinfections are common due to short-lived immune responses. 1, 8, 7

Vaccine Supply Prioritization

If vaccine supply is limited, prioritize in the following order: 1, 8

  1. Adults aged ≥75 years
  2. Adults aged ≥50 years with multiple comorbidities
  3. Residents of long-term care facilities

Safety Profile

Both RSVPreF3 and RSVpreF are non-live recombinant subunit vaccines that are safe for immunocompromised patients. 8, 7

  • The most common side effects include injection-site pain and fatigue 7
  • Serious adverse event rates are similar between vaccine and placebo groups 7
  • Postlicensure surveillance has identified a potential increased risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome after protein subunit RSV vaccination 7

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

2
Research

RSV: an update on prevention and management.

Australian prescriber, 2025

6
Guideline

RSV Vaccination Guidelines for High-Risk Adults

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

7
Guideline

RSV Vaccine Guidelines

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

8
Guideline

RSV Vaccination Recommendations

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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