Madison Clarke
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the US. While most people recover from RSV within one to two weeks, severe cases can lead to hospitalization or even death. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect against severe illness from RSV. These vaccines are designed to introduce an inactivated RSV protein into the body, stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off the actual virus. Both vaccines for older adults and immunizations for babies are available, helping to reduce hospitalizations during the RSV season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Season | Fall to Winter |
| RSV Symptoms | Mild, cold-like symptoms |
| Most Common in | Children under 2 years, infants, older adults |
| Treatment | Vaccines, Monoclonal Antibody Products |
| Vaccines | ABRYSVO, AREXVY, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) |
| Who Should Get Vaccinated? | Infants, older adults, pregnant women |
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What You'll Learn
Vaccines for infants and young children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be serious, and infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and may need to be hospitalized. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the US.
Vaccines for pregnant women or monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi and AstraZeneca) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody immunization recommended for preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in young children. It is given monthly to babies under 24 months old and is recommended only for infants with certain high-risk conditions. Nirsevimab was 79% effective against RSV medically-attended lower respiratory tract illness and 80% effective at preventing hospitalization. It is also recommended for children 8 to 19 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV, such as those with chronic lung disease, those who are severely immunocompromised, or those living with severe cystic fibrosis.
The ABRYSVO vaccine is also approved for administering to pregnant women ahead of the RSV season to provide them with antibodies they could pass along to the fetus and protect their newborns from birth to 6 months of age from severe RSV. The CDC also recommends that adults age 65 and older get an RSV vaccine. Adults 60 to 64 can get a prescription after talking to their doctor or other healthcare provider.
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Vaccines for older adults
Vaccines are important public health tools that help protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases. They are highly effective at preventing infections, reducing disease severity, and lowering the risk of complications and long-term health issues. Older adults are more susceptible to severe illnesses and can benefit from various vaccines recommended for their age group. Here is some information on vaccines specifically for older adults:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine:
The RSV vaccine was approved for older adults in 2023 and is recommended for individuals 75 and older. Those aged 50 to 75 should consult their doctors about getting the vaccine. RSV is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe health issues in older adults, especially those with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. The RSV vaccine is given in one dose and is about 85% effective in preventing serious lower-respiratory illness.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine:
The flu vaccine is recommended annually for older adults as influenza can cause serious complications in this age group. The CDC suggests that individuals 65 and older receive a higher-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine, which includes an additional ingredient to enhance the immune response. The flu vaccine is updated every year to ensure its effectiveness, and it is best to get vaccinated by the end of October.
Pneumococcal Vaccine:
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for individuals 50 and older as pneumococcal pneumonia can be deadly for seniors. The vaccine protects against multiple bacterial strains and is about 60% to 75% effective against severe illness.
COVID-19 Vaccine:
Older adults are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC recommends that older adults stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of getting the disease and developing serious complications.
It is important to consult with healthcare providers to determine which vaccines are most suitable for older adults, considering their individual needs and health conditions.
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Monoclonal antibodies
Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) is an injectable monoclonal antibody that prevents severe RSV disease in infants and young children. It is approved for all infants up to 8 months old during their first RSV season and for a small group of infants between 8 and 19 months old who are at high risk for severe disease. Nirsevimab does not activate the immune system like a traditional vaccine. Instead, the antibodies themselves provide protection, known as passive immunization. The antibodies bind to protein F on the RSV virus, preventing the virus from binding to and entering cells. This type of antibody is called immunoglobulin G (IgG) and is commonly found in our blood.
The RSV monoclonal antibody for infants can cause mild side effects, such as injection site reactions and, in some cases, a rash. However, it is important to note that monoclonal antibodies can be given at the same time as routinely recommended vaccines without interfering with the immune response.
In addition to nirsevimab, ABRYSVO is another monoclonal antibody product approved for administering to pregnant women ahead of the RSV season. ABRYSVO provides antibodies that can be passed to the fetus, protecting newborns from birth to 6 months of age from severe RSV.
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Preventing infection
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be serious and even lead to death in older people, babies, and those with weakened immune systems.
RSV is highly contagious and spreads when someone infected coughs, sneezes, or touches or kisses someone else. To prevent the spread of RSV, the CDC recommends the following:
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve (not hands)
- Washing hands often
- Keeping hands away from your face
- Avoiding kissing and other close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and mobile devices
- Staying home when you are sick
- Wearing a mask depending on your risk for severe disease
In addition to these preventative measures, there are also vaccines available for RSV. Vaccines are available for pregnant women, infants, and older adults. The CDC recommends that adults age 65 and older get an RSV vaccine, and adults 60 to 64 can get a prescription after talking to their doctor or healthcare provider.
For infants, a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab is recommended for all infants up to 8 months old during their first RSV season. Nirsevimab is also approved for children between 8 and 19 months old who are at high risk for severe disease, including those who are severely immunocompromised or have chronic lung disease.
While there is no specific advice on preventing infection for those who are neither infants nor older adults, the CDC does recommend that people who are vulnerable or could infect others who are at high risk take additional precautions.
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RSV season
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be serious, and is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in the US. The virus can affect people of all ages, but infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe infection.
In the US, the RSV season typically runs from November through March, but the timing and severity can vary from year to year. The season usually starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, with outbreaks tending to occur from fall to the end of spring. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the usual seasonal patterns during 2020-2022, but the 2022-23 season indicated a return to pre-pandemic seasonality.
To prevent RSV, vaccines are available for pregnant women, and monoclonal antibody products can be administered to infants and young children to protect them from severe RSV. The CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy, while the antibody product is given to babies younger than 8 months old, preferably before or during their first RSV season. For a small group of children aged 8-19 months, the antibody product can be given before or during their second RSV season if they are at high risk of severe disease.
In addition to vaccinations, there are other precautions that can be taken to protect against RSV. These include covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms, and staying home when sick.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are vaccines available for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CDC recommends that adults over the age of 65 get an RSV vaccine, and those aged 60-64 can get one after speaking to a doctor. There are also vaccines available for infants, and monoclonal antibody products for pregnant women to protect their newborns.
The ABRYSVO vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) by 65.1% and severe LRTD by 88.9%. Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, was 79% effective against RSV-associated LRTD and 80% effective at preventing hospitalization.
The best time to get an RSV vaccine is in late summer or early fall, but they can be given at any time.
