The New RSV Vaccine: Who Actually Needs It?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes millions of illnesses every fall and winter. While it usually presents as a mild cold for healthy adults, it can cause severe lung infections in vulnerable populations. With several new vaccines recently hitting the market, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has completely updated its guidelines. Here is exactly who needs an RSV vaccine this year.

Understanding the Available RSV Vaccines

For decades, scientists worked to develop a safe and effective vaccine for RSV. The breakthrough finally arrived in 2023, and the market has continued to expand. Today, there are three FDA-approved RSV vaccines available in the United States:

  • Arexvy: Manufactured by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).
  • Abrysvo: Manufactured by Pfizer.
  • mRESVIA: Manufactured by Moderna, which received FDA approval in May 2024 and is the only RSV vaccine using mRNA technology.

While having multiple options is great for public health, it has caused some confusion at the pharmacy counter. The CDC has stepped in to clarify exactly which age groups and medical profiles should receive these shots.

Updated CDC Guidelines for Older Adults

In June 2024, the CDC updated its recommendations for older adults. The previous rules relied heavily on shared clinical decision-making, which meant patients had to discuss it with their doctors first. The new rules are much more direct.

Adults Ages 75 and Older

The CDC now recommends that everyone aged 75 and older receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. At this age, the immune system naturally weakens, making it harder to fight off respiratory infections. RSV leads to tens of thousands of hospitalizations among seniors every year, and this blanket recommendation aims to drastically reduce those numbers.

Adults Ages 60 to 74 with High-Risk Conditions

If you are between the ages of 60 and 74, you do not automatically need the vaccine. The CDC only recommends the shot for this age group if you have certain medical conditions that increase your risk of severe disease.

You should get the RSV vaccine if you are 60 to 74 years old and have:

  • Chronic lung diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Heart conditions such as heart failure or coronary artery disease.
  • A weakened immune system due to cancer treatments, organ transplants, or HIV.
  • Severe diabetes with organ damage.
  • Residence in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

The “One and Done” Rule

It is highly important to note that the RSV vaccine is not currently an annual shot. Unlike the flu vaccine or updated COVID-19 boosters, the CDC considers the RSV vaccine a single-dose administration. If you received Arexvy or Abrysvo in the fall of 2023, you do not need to get another RSV shot in 2024. The protection has been shown to last across multiple virus seasons.

CDC Guidelines for Pregnant Individuals

RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Because newborns have immature immune systems, they are incredibly vulnerable to the virus. To protect babies, the CDC highly recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals.

Strict Timing Requirements

The rules for getting the vaccine during pregnancy are very specific. You should only receive the vaccine if you are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant. Getting the shot during this precise four-week window ensures that your body creates enough antibodies and successfully passes them through the placenta to your baby.

Furthermore, the CDC recommends getting the shot only between the months of September and January. This timing aligns with peak RSV season, ensuring the baby is born with maximum protection right when the virus is spreading the most.

The Only Approved Brand for Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you cannot walk into a pharmacy and choose any RSV vaccine. The FDA and CDC have only approved the Pfizer vaccine (Abrysvo) for use during pregnancy. The vaccines by GSK and Moderna are only approved for older adults.

When a pregnant individual receives Abrysvo, it protects the newborn from severe RSV illness for their first six months of life. If a mother misses this vaccination window, the infant may need to receive a preventative monoclonal antibody injection called Beyfortus (nirsevimab) after birth.

Insurance Coverage and Where to Get Vaccinated

Accessing the RSV vaccine is fairly simple. You can find it at major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, as well as at primary care offices.

For older adults on Medicare, the RSV vaccine is fully covered under Medicare Part D. You will pay nothing out of pocket. If you have private commercial health insurance or insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, the vaccine is fully covered as a preventive service for anyone who meets the CDC age and risk criteria. Pregnant individuals covered by Medicaid will also receive the Abrysvo vaccine at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the RSV vaccine at the same time as my flu and COVID-19 shots?

Yes. The CDC confirms that it is completely safe to receive the RSV vaccine at the exact same time as your annual flu shot or an updated COVID-19 vaccine. You may experience slightly more arm soreness or fatigue, but the vaccines remain just as effective.

What are the most common side effects of the RSV vaccine?

The side effects are very similar to other routine vaccinations. Most people report pain or redness at the injection site. Other common side effects include mild fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and occasionally a low-grade fever. These symptoms typically go away on their own within one to two days.

Will the RSV vaccine become a yearly requirement?

Currently, the CDC does not recommend an annual RSV booster for any age group. Clinical trials are still ongoing to determine exactly how long the immunity lasts. Public health officials will continue tracking data, and they may update this guidance in future years if they see immunity fading significantly.