RSV Vaccine

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover within two weeks. However, certain groups, such as infants, young children, and older adults, are more likely to develop severe infections including bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia.

While many people associate RSV with babies and young children, older adults can also get the virus and are at risk for developing complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 60,000-160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized with RSV each year and 6,000-10,000 die due to the viral infection.

Risk factors for severe RSV disease

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that persons aged 60 years and older who are at highest risk for severe RSV disease and who might be most likely to benefit from vaccination include those with chronic medical conditions such as:

• Cardiopulmonary disease
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions
• Hematologic disorders
• Diabetes mellitus
• and Moderate or severe immune compromise (either attributable to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatment)

as well as:

• Persons who are frail
• persons of advanced age
• persons who reside in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• persons with other underlying conditions or factors that the provider determines might increase the risk for severe respiratory disease

Immunization Options & Recommendations

There are two immunization options available for protecting infants against RSV: maternal vaccine for the pregnant woman or preventive antibodies given to the baby. Only one of these options is needed for most babies to be protected. 

CDC recommends a one-time dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant women from week 32 through week 36 of pregnancy for the prevention of RSV disease in their infants during the first 6 months of life. This vaccine is recommended to be given from September through January for most of the United States. However, in some locations (for example, the territories, Hawaii, Alaska, and parts of Florida), the timing of vaccination may differ based on the time of year when RSV circulates in the area.  
CDC recommends a one-time-dose of RSV vaccine for everyone 75 years and older and for adults 60 through 74 years of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Adults 60 through 74 years old who are at increased risk include those with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or certain other chronic medical conditions, and those who are residents of nursing homes.

A RSV vaccine is now available for anyone 60 years or older at any of our 3 convenient locations. You can call 901-685-9999 for more information.

VIS Info: https://www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/vis/rsv.pdf