Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Is the New RSV Vaccine Right For You?

In 2022, the FDA approved several new shots to help prevent serious illness from RSV. There are shots that the CDC recommends for babies, pregnant women, and many adults older than 60.

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common germ that can make you sick, kind of like a cold, but can be severe and life threatening. Most people feel better in about one or two weeks, but it can be worse for babies, especially premature babies, and babies with some kinds of health problems. Older adults and people with weak immune systems can also have a tough time; they can get pneumonia and have trouble breathing because of RSV.

How to Prevent RSV Infection

Preventing RSV is particularly important if someone in your family is likely to get very sick from it. Take these steps to help you and your family avoid RSV:

  1. Vaccination/Immunization

    a. Shots can help your body fight off germs and make you less sick. They teach your immune system how to beat harmful germs. This is important for everyone, but especially for babies, toddlers, and adults 60 years and older.

  2. Pregnant Women

    a. Pregnant women who get vaccinated late in their pregnancy can pass antibodies to their infants. This helps protect the baby from getting RSV after it is born.

  3. Hand Hygiene

    a. Wash your hands a lot with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your face, blowing your nose, or being near someone who is sick.

  4. Avoid Close Contact

    a. Try not to be too close to sick people, especially babies, when RSV is around.

  5. Clean and Disinfect

    a. Keep things clean, and use disinfectant on things like doorknobs, toys, and electronics.

  6. Practice Respiratory Hygiene

    a. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. Throw tissues away the properly.

  7. Stay Home When Sick

    a. If you are sick, especially with coughing, sneezing, or a fever, stay home so you don’t get other people sick.

  8. Limit Exposure to Crowds

    a. When RSV is most common, think about avoiding big groups of people, especially if you or your child is at a higher risk of severe illness.

RSV Immunizations

This year, the CDC recommends new shots to help keep people from getting very sick with RSV. This is important for babies, toddlers, and older adults. If you are not likely to get severely sick, doing the everyday things listed above can help stop RSV from spreading.

For Providers

The shots for adults and children are different, and must be administered correctly to their respective populations.

  • For adults 60 and older in the United States, the CDC recommends RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) or RSVpreF (Abrysvo).

    • RSVpreF (Abreysvo) is also recommended for use during pregnancy (maternal RSV vaccine) for protection of the babies. It is given during RSV season to people who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant.

  • For all infants younger than 8 months, the CDC recommends the monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus).

    • It is also recommended for some children aged 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.

  • For children younger than 24 months with conditions that place them at risk for severe RSV disease, the CDC recommends Palivizumab (Synagis). It must be given once a month during RSV season.

For more info on which shot is right for you, check the CDC website here.

Shortages

There have been shortages for several of the RSV shots, especially Nirsevimab. Speak with your doctor or check with your local pharmacy about availability.

Where to Get an RSV Immunization

Pending availability, all the pharmacies in The Dalles offer the RSV shots. Please see below for their information and to schedule your appointment.