How long does the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine last?

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Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The RSV vaccine provides protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection for a duration of approximately 6-12 months with a single dose administered intramuscularly 1.

Key Points

  • The cumulative efficacy of the RSV vaccine over 2 seasons in adults ≥60 years old is around 67.2% (97.5% CI: 48.2,80.0) 1.
  • The vaccine has been shown to be well tolerated in the overall population, with a clinically acceptable safety profile over 3 seasons 1.
  • The exact duration of protection may vary depending on individual factors, such as age and underlying health conditions 1.

Duration of Protection

  • A single dose of the RSV vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections for up to 150 days, with a median duration of protection of around 6 months.
  • The cumulative efficacy over 3 seasons in adults ≥60 years old is around 62.9% (97.5% CI: 46.7,74.8) 1.

Safety and Efficacy

  • The vaccine has been shown to be well tolerated in the overall population, with a clinically acceptable safety profile over 3 seasons 1.
  • The estimated number of RSV-associated outcomes preventable per 1 million protein subunit RSV vaccine doses administered among adults aged ≥60 years is around 4,283 (range: 2,235–6,957) 1.

From the Research

RSV Vaccine Duration

The duration of the RSV vaccine's effectiveness is a crucial aspect of its application. According to the studies:

  • Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, has been shown to provide protection against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections for at least 150 days after administration 2.
  • A real-world effectiveness study found that nirsevimab provided substantial protection against RSV-related outcomes for at least three months, with effectiveness declining over time but remaining significant at 55% at 14 weeks post-immunization 3.
  • Another study found that the vaccine Abrysvo, approved for use in pregnancy to protect the newborn, has an efficacy of over 80% in the first 3 months of life but slightly decreases after an age of 6 months 4.
  • The FDA-approved long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab has been recommended for administration to all infants <8 months of age and for children 8 to 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, indicating its potential for long-term protection 5.

Key Findings

Some key findings related to the duration of the RSV vaccine's effectiveness include:

  • Nirsevimab's effectiveness against RSV infection was 68.4% (95% CI, 50.3%-80.8%) 3.
  • The highest effectiveness of nirsevimab, 84.6% (95% CI, 58.7%-95.6%), was observed against severe RSV outcomes requiring ICU admission or high-flow oxygen 3.
  • Abrysvo's efficacy decreases slightly after 6 months of age, but it remains an effective tool for preventing RSV-associated disease and complications in high-risk groups 4.

Effectiveness Over Time

The effectiveness of the RSV vaccine over time is an essential consideration. The studies suggest that:

  • Nirsevimab's effectiveness declines over time but remains significant at 55% at 14 weeks post-immunization 3.
  • Abrysvo's efficacy decreases slightly after 6 months of age, but its exact duration of protection is not specified 4.
  • The long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab has been recommended for administration to infants and young children, indicating its potential for long-term protection 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Single-Dose Nirsevimab for Prevention of RSV in Preterm Infants.

The New England journal of medicine, 2020

Research

Nirsevimab: A Review.

Pediatric allergy, immunology, and pulmonology, 2024

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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