Key takeaways:
The FDA has approved three vaccines to lower the risk of serious lung disease from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA. Each is given as a single intramuscular injection.
All three RSV vaccines are FDA approved for adults ages 60 and older. Abrysvo and mRESVIA are also approved for people ages 18 to 59 at increased risk. Arexvy is approved for those ages 50 to 59 at higher risk.
Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine also approved for use during pregnancy to protect infants after birth. It’s given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can affect people of all ages. But it’s especially known for causing illness in babies and young children. Most of the time, RSV symptoms are mild, such as a runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever.
For some people, though, RSV can lead to serious complications. Premature infants, adults over 75, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop pneumonia or other lower respiratory tract illnesses that require medical care.
To help lower this risk, the FDA has approved several RSV vaccines to protect those most vulnerable. Here’s what to know about available vaccines, eligibility, possible side effects, and more.
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Which RSV vaccines are available?
As of October 2025, three vaccines are FDA approved to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA. All three are given as a single intramuscular shot. But there are a few differences in their approved age groups.
RSV vaccines for older adults
Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA are all approved for use in adults ages 60 and older. Vaccination in this age group is important since they’re at an increased risk of severe RSV — especially those ages 75 and older.
RSV vaccines for adults under age 60 at increased risk
Even if you’re under 60, you may still be at risk for serious RSV complications. This is especially the case if you live in a nursing home or have certain chronic health conditions, including:
Chronic heart or lung disease
Chronic liver disease
Diabetes with organ damage (such as chronic kidney disease)
Sickle cell disease or another chronic blood condition
A weakened immune system (such as from cancer treatment or organ transplant)
To help protect people in this group, the FDA has expanded approval for some RSV vaccines:
Ages 18 to 59: You may be eligible for Abrysvo or mRESVIA.
Ages 50 to 59: You may also be eligible for Arexvy.
RSV vaccines for babies
Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine approved for use during pregnancy. It’s given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns from RSV during their first 6 months of life. The vaccine works by triggering the mother’s immune system to make protective antibodies, which are then passed to the fetus.
Comparing RSV vaccines: Abrysvo and Arexvy are FDA approved to prevent serious illness from RSV in adults. Here are the key differences between them.
Managing RSV vaccine side effects: What side effects can you expect from an RSV vaccine? Knowing what to watch for, and how to manage them, can help you minimize discomfort and risks.
Managing RSV: If you’ve come down with RSV, there are several treatment options. It’s also important to know when to contact your healthcare professional about RSV.
In addition to maternal vaccination, there are RSV monoclonal antibody medications approved for babies and certain young children. These aren’t vaccines — they don’t train the immune system but instead directly provide ready-made antibodies to fight RSV. Available monoclonal antibodies include Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip) and Enflonsia (clesrovimab). These are also sometimes called infant RSV antibodies.
How do RSV vaccines work?
RSV vaccines are designed to help your immune system recognize and fight RSV before it causes serious illness. They all focus on the F protein, a key part of RSV that allows it to enter and infect your cells.
Researchers discovered that targeting the prefusion form of the F protein (called preF) is especially effective. This is the version of the F protein before it binds to your cells. The RSV vaccines expose your immune system to the preF protein so that it can build antibodies against it. This helps your body fight off RSV if you encounter it in the future.
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The RSV vaccines deliver the preF protein in different ways:
Arexvy and Abrysvo: These are protein subunit vaccines, meaning that they contain a lab-made version of the preF protein itself. Arexvy also includes an adjuvant, which is a substance that boosts your immune system’s response to a vaccine.
mRESVIA: This vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, similar to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines. It gives your cells instructions to make the preF protein on their own. Your immune system then responds by making antibodies.
Will an RSV vaccine prevent you from getting RSV?
No vaccine can prevent 100% of infections, including the RSV vaccines. But they can help lower the risk of serious illness if you do develop RSV. This is especially important for people at higher risk of severe RSV, such as older adults.
What are the side effects of RSV vaccines?
Like most vaccines, RSV vaccines can cause mild side effects that typically go away on their own. Side effects can vary slightly between the vaccines, but the most common side effects include:
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Fever
Diarrhea
Serious side effects are rare, but they are possible. These include:
Severe allergic reactions: Tell your vaccinator if you have any allergies, especially to vaccine ingredients. They can assess whether it’s safe for you to receive the shot.
Guillain-Barré syndrome: This is a rare neurological condition that has been reported in a small number of people who received Arexvy and Abrysvo. Report any muscle weakness, balance problems, or a “pins and needles” feeling to your healthcare team right away.
Pregnancy-related side effects: During clinical trials, there was a slightly higher rate of preeclampsia and a small increase in preterm birth in women receiving Abrysvo. It’s not clear if this was due to the vaccine or another cause. But to reduce the risks associated with preterm birth, Abrysvo should only be given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of RSV vaccine side effects. Your healthcare team can answer questions about potential risks and side effects for your specific situation.
Who is eligible for an RSV vaccine?
The FDA approved certain RSV vaccines for people as young as 18 years old, but the CDC has more specific recommendations. As of right now, the CDC recommends that the following groups of people get a single dose of an RSV vaccine:
All adults ages 75 and older
Adults ages 50 to 74 at increased risk of severe RSV
Pregnant women
Eligible adults can get the RSV vaccine at any time. But it’s recommended to get your shot in late summer or early fall (August to October) before RSV seasons starts. Pregnant women should get their RSV vaccine dose during 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy in September through January.
If you haven’t received an RSV vaccine yet and think you might be eligible, ask your healthcare team. They can help determine if and when you should receive one.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don’t need to get the RSV vaccine yearly. The CDC recommends a onetime dose of an RSV vaccine for those who are eligible. This includes older adults, younger adults at higher risk, and pregnant women.
Researchers are still studying how long protection from the vaccines lasts, but they appear to offer protection across multiple RSV seasons. It’s possible that the CDC may recommend a booster shot or additional dose in the future.
No, the RSV vaccine isn’t a live vaccine. Abrysvo and Arexvy are protein subunit vaccines, meaning that they contain pieces of RSV called the preF protein. As an mRNA vaccine, mRESVIA contains the instructions for your cells to make the preF protein.
No, you don’t need to get the RSV vaccine yearly. The CDC recommends a onetime dose of an RSV vaccine for those who are eligible. This includes older adults, younger adults at higher risk, and pregnant women.
Researchers are still studying how long protection from the vaccines lasts, but they appear to offer protection across multiple RSV seasons. It’s possible that the CDC may recommend a booster shot or additional dose in the future.
No, the RSV vaccine isn’t a live vaccine. Abrysvo and Arexvy are protein subunit vaccines, meaning that they contain pieces of RSV called the preF protein. As an mRNA vaccine, mRESVIA contains the instructions for your cells to make the preF protein.
The bottom line
There are three FDA-approved RSV vaccines given to adults: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA. All three are approved for adults ages 60 and older, and for certain adults under 60 at higher risk of severe RSV. Abrysvo is also approved for pregnant women to protect their baby from RSV after birth.
Ask a healthcare professional if you qualify for Arexvy, Abrysvo, or mRESVIA. The decision to get an RSV vaccine depends on your medical history, age, and personal preferences.
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References
Awosika, A. O., et al. (2024). Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F (RSVPreF3) vaccine. StatPearls.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). RSV vaccine guidance for pregnant women.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Clinical overview of RSV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Immunizations to protect infants.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). RSV in adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). RSV vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Vaccines for adults.
Fleming-Dutra, K. E., et al. (2023). Use of the Pfizer respiratory syncytial virus vaccine during pregnancy for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus–associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2023. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
