Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Shot (2024)

RSV is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. People who are 65 and older are at high risk of having serious health complications from RSV. Getting the RSV shot can protect you from getting RSV.

Medicare drug coverage (Part D) covers the RSV shot (not Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Part B (Medical Insurance)).

Your costs in Original Medicare

People with Part D usually pay nothing out of pocket for most vaccines, including the RSV shot.

Part D covers all vaccines that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends, including vaccines for RSV, shingles, whooping cough, and more. Your drug plan won't charge you a copayment or deductible for vaccines that ACIP recommends.

If the RSV shot isn't on your plan's drug list (formulary) yet, you can ask the plan for a coverage exception. You can also pay for the shot out of pocket and then follow-up with your plan to get reimbursed. If you pay for the shot upfront, your plan must pay you back.

Things to know

  • Adults 60 and older with hematologic disorders, like sickle cell disease, may benefit from getting the RSV shot.
  • You can get the RSV shot in many places, including your doctor’s office and your local pharmacy. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan to find out where you can get the RSV shot.
  • It’s safe to get the RSV shot with other vaccines, like a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Shot (2024)

FAQs

Do you get a shot for RSV? ›

Three RSV vaccines are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults ages 60 and older in the United States. CDC recommends everyone ages 75 and older get an RSV vaccine. CDC recommends adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease get an RSV vaccine.

Why was the RSV vaccine discontinued? ›

While the vaccine was shown to reduce the risk of babies contracting RSV, they stopped enrollment in the trial early due to the safety concerns, researchers recount in an analysis published March 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Does insurance pay for the RSV vaccine? ›

Medicare Part D (Prescription drug coverage) covers the RSV shot and all vaccines that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends. People with Part D usually pay nothing out of pocket for most vaccines, including the RSV shot.

How long do RSV vaccine side effects last? ›

Side effects of the RSV vaccine

After having the vaccine you may have some side effects. These are usually mild and disappear within a few days. Around the injection site you might experience: pain.

How can I get the RSV vaccine? ›

Eligibility for the RSV vaccination

For the first year of the programme, the vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024 as part of a catch up programme. If you are not yet 75 the NHS will invite you for vaccination once you turn 75.

How long does RSV immunity last? ›

Natural RSV infection does not provide durable or complete protection from re-infection. Reinfection can occur within 2 months of last infection. Older adults have weaker IFNγ responses to RSV than younger adults do, likely making older adults more susceptible to infection and to severe infection.

What did RSV used to be called? ›

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was first described as 'acute catarrhal bronchitis' in 1901. It was isolated in 1956 and today is responsible for 45%–90% of episodes of bronchiolitis, 15%–35% of pneumonia, 6%–8% of croup, and is also a cause of apnea and otitis media.

Is Pfizer making a vaccine for RSV? ›

Pfizer currently is the only company with an RSV vaccine to help protect older adults, as well as infants through maternal immunization. ABRYSVO is a bivalent vaccine that was designed to provide protection against RSV-LRTD, regardless of the virus subgroup.

Is RSV shot FDA approved? ›

FDA has approved vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a highly contagious virus that is easily spread from person to person, most often through coughing or sneezing that causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages in individuals of all age groups.

Who is eligible for RSV? ›

CDC recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for older adults to help prevent serious RSV infection and hospitalization. RSV vaccination is recommended for the following adults: All adults ages 75 and older. Adults ages 60–74 at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

How much does RSV immunisation cost? ›

At this time, the adult vaccine is only available by private prescription, at a cost of $350. Our GPs are able to provide a prescription for collection from a pharmacy and our nurses will administer for you. All Queensland infants, born from 1 February 2024, are eligible for a free RSV immunisation.

What is the RSV season? ›

In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but the timing and severity of RSV season in a given community can vary from year to year.

Who should not take the RSV vaccine? ›

If you have ever been allergic to any of the ingredients in the RSV vaccine, you should not get the RSV shot. If you are currently sick (whether or not you have a fever), you should wait to get the RSV shot until you are feeling better.

Do you need an RSV shot every year? ›

The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning eligible adults do not need to get a dose every RSV season. Currently, CDC recommends only a single dose of RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 60–74 with increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Can the RSV vaccine cause neurological side effects? ›

Risks of a vaccine reaction

Serious neurologic conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), have been reported after RSV vaccination in clinical trials of older adults.

How do you treat RSV in adults? ›

There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, so fluids and rest are the best advice for mild symptoms. If you have COPD or asthma, be sure to maintain use of prescribed medications to reduce breathing difficulties and speak with your healthcare provider if you think your medications might need to be adjusted.

How long are you contagious with RSV? ›

RSV is contagious while you have symptoms, which is typically three to eight days. You may be able to spread RSV a day or two before you develop symptoms. Some babies, as well as people with compromised immune systems, may be contagious even after symptoms go away, for up to four weeks.

Is there a vaccine for RSV CDC? ›

Vaccines are recommended to protect adults ages 60 years and older from severe RSV. There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer's Abrysvo) given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.

Does the pneumonia vaccine help with RSV? ›

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) reduced the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a randomized clinical trial. We aimed to assess the real-world effectiveness of PCV on RSV-hospitalizations among Western Australian infants.

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