RSV Vaccinations

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants, some young children and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. RSV season can vary around the country. If you live in Alaska, Florida, or outside the continental U.S., talk to your healthcare provider/pharmacist about when RSV season is expected where you live and for vaccine availbility.

Which groups are eligible to get the RSV vaccine?

• Vaccines are recommended to protect adults aged 60 years and older from severe RSV.

• Visit CDC's: Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over  for more information.

• There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants and young children from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer's ABRYSVO) given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.

• Visit  CDC's: Immunizations to Protect Infants  for more information.

What are the vaccine recommendations for the RSV vaccine for older adults?

• CDC recommends RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 years and older, and for adults ages 60–74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV.

• RSV vaccine is given as a single dose.

• RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season.

• If you have already received an RSV vaccine, you do not need another dose at this time.

• If you have a moderate or severe illness, you should wait until you recover before receiving an RSV vaccine.

• If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you can get an RSV vaccine.

Can I get the RSV vaccine  for older adults at the same time with other vaccines?

• You can get your RSV vaccine at the same visit as your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

• Reach out to your healthcare provider, clinic, or pharmacy to ask if RSV vaccine is right for you and about availability. 

How can I pay for the RSV vaccine for older adults?

• Most private health insurance plans cover the maternal RSV vaccine, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan. 

• Beginning October 1, 2023 most adults with coverage from Medicaid and CHIP will be guaranteed coverage of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice at no cost to them.

• Medi-Cal

• If you serve in the military or are a military dependent, you are eligible for TRICARE. 

• Medicare Part D plans make all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (except those covered by Part B) available at no cost,

What are the vaccine recommendations for the RSV antibody for infants and young children?

• An RSV antibody (nirsevimab) is available for babies and some young children to protect them from severe RSV.

• All infants younger than 8 months of age born during RSV season or entering their first RSV season.

• Except in rare circumstances, most infants younger than 8 months of age do not need nirsevimab if they were born 14 or more days after their mother got an RSV vaccine.

• Some children ages 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.

How can I pay for the RSV antibody for infants and young children?

• The Vaccines for Children (VFC) covers  the RSV antibody (Nirsevimab) for infants and young children.

• Many private health insurance plans cover nirsevimab, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan.

What are the vaccine recommendations for the maternal RSV vaccine?      

• People who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September through January should get one dose of maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies.

• When someone gets an RSV vaccine, their body responds by making a protein that protects against the virus that causes RSV. The process takes about 2 weeks.

• When a pregnant person gets an RSV vaccine, their protective proteins (called antibodies) also pass to their baby. So babies who are born at least 2 weeks after their mother gets RSV vaccine are protected at birth, when infants are at the highest risk of severe RSV disease.

• The vaccine can reduce a baby's risk of being hospitalized from RSV by 57% in the first six months after birth.

Can I get the maternal RSV vaccine at the same time with other vaccines?

• You can receive the RSV vaccine on the same day as other vaccines recommended during pregnancy, including Tdap, COVID-19, and influenza.

• Please also check with your healthcare provider.

How can I pay for the maternal RSV vaccine?

• The maternal RSV vaccine will be covered by Vaccines For Children (VFC).

• Most private health insurance plans cover the maternal RSV vaccine, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan. 

• Most people with coverage from Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will be guaranteed coverage of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice at no cost to them.