What to Know About the RSV Vaccine – Geisinger

When youre preparing for respiratory illness season, you probably get a flu shot. Maybe a COVID-19 vaccine. And if youre looking for a way to safeguard your family against RSV, protecting everyone just got easier with an FDA-approved RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody treatment.

RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus) is a highly contagious lung infection. It can cause serious complications, especially in young children and adults with a weakened immune system, says Stanley Martin, MD, system director of infectious diseases at Geisinger.

Those most at risk for contracting RSV include:

RSV spreads through direct contact with a sick person or through infected respiratory droplets in the air. The virus can also live for hours on hard surfaces. It can enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. That means you could be infected by touching a contaminated object, then rubbing your eye.

The vaccine is a single injection to help prevent respiratory syncytial virus. This safe, effective immunization can not only reduce your risk of getting RSV, but it can also lower the risk of serious illness that requires hospitalization.

Like other shots, it works by introducing an inactive protein into the body. After you receive the injection, your immune system starts working to produce antibodies, Dr. Martin says. Those antibodies help protect against RSV.

For infants, a monoclonal antibody can be given to build immunity against RSV. This isnt the same as a vaccine, he explains. The antibody treatment gives antibodies directly to the body to help fight off an RSV infection.

The RSV shot is recommended for:

The monoclonal antibody is recommended for:

For maximum protection, think about timing.

If youre over 60 and considering the vaccine, start by having a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can look at your risk factors to help you decide if the shot is right for you.

Pregnant people between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy are recommended to consider the upcoming respiratory viral season (typically September through January) to prevent RSV in their babies once theyre born.

The antibody treatment for infants can provide protection for at least five months, says Dr. Martin. If given at the right time, it can last through RSV season.

Want to learn more about the RSV vaccine or antibody treatment? Talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you decide if its right for you or your family.

Side effects of the RSV vaccine include:

The most common side effects of the antibody treatment are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, says Dr. Martin. Whether you received the vaccine or treatment, most side effects are mild and go away in a day or two.

Wondering where to get the RSV vaccine? To schedule an RSV shot for yourself or an antibody treatment for your child, contact your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment through MyGeisinger.

After you get your shot, youll be protected. And youll help protect everyone around you. That means youll have more time to focus on feeling your best.

The science behind your flu shot Know the symptoms of RSV Think you cant get COVID and RSV at the same time? Think again.

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What to Know About the RSV Vaccine - Geisinger