Respiratory syncytial virus can be dangerous for babies and older adults. We are entering the second year where RSV immunizations will be available to protect these groups from severe RSV. There is one set of recommendations for older adults, and a separate set – which includes two immunization options – to protect babies.

RSV Vaccines for Older Adults
CDC recommends a single dose of an RSV vaccine for everyone ages 75 and older and for people ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. Adults ages 60-74 are considered at increased risk if they have one or more of the following risk factors:
Chronic heart or lung disease
A weakened immune system
Certain other medical conditions*, including diabetes with complications and severe obesity
Live in a nursing home
*For a complete list of chronic health issues that lead to increased risk of severe RSV, see Clinical Overview of RSV.

If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.
How well do these vaccines work? Real-world data gathered during the 2023-2024 RSV season show that RSV vaccines reduced the risk of RSV-associated hospitalization or emergency department visits by 75%-80%. Importantly, these data include populations that are at highest risk for severe RSV, including those ages 75 and older, those who are immunocompromised, and those who live in nursing homes.
If you are eligible for an RSV vaccine, the best time to get vaccinated is now (late summer through early fall) – before the RSV season starts!

RSV Immunizations to Protect Infants
CDC recommends all babies be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options:
A maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) given to the mother during weeks 32 – 36 of pregnancy
An RSV antibody (nirsevimab) given to the baby.
RSV antibody should be administered in the first week after birth – ideally during the birth hospitalization, or shortly before the RSV season if they are born outside of RSV season.
Nirsevimab is also recommended for a small group of young children 8 – 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV.
Most babies will not need both.

Both RSV immunizations to protect infants are administered during specific months, detailed here:
How good are these immunizations at protecting babies?
Early real-world data show that nirsevimab was 80-90% effective in preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. It provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least 5 months.

CDC continues to gather real-world effectiveness data for maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo). Our best data at this time continues to be from the phase 3 clinical trial, which showed the maternal RSV vaccine reduced the risk of the baby being hospitalized for RSV by 68% and the risk of having a healthcare visit for RSV by 57% within 3 months after birth. Additional data shows that maternal antibodies protect the baby against RSV for approximately 6 months after birth.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a caretaker, or at risk of RSV yourself, you can help fight against RSV by learning and sharing CDC’s recommendations with others.