US Trends

who should get an rsv vaccine

People at highest risk of severe RSV complications are the main groups who should get an RSV vaccine or other RSV immunization products, along with pregnant people in late pregnancy to protect their newborns.

Quick Scoop: Who’s It For?

Health agencies now focus RSV protection on two broad groups: adults (especially older or high‑risk) and babies/young children.

  • Adults 75 and older are recommended to get a one‑time RSV vaccine dose because they have the highest rates of severe RSV illness and hospitalization.
  • Adults 50–74 (or 60–74, depending on the guideline) should get a one‑time RSV shot if they have conditions that raise their risk, such as chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immunity, or residence in a nursing home.

Pregnant People & Newborns

A major shift in recent seasons is vaccinating during pregnancy to protect newborns in their first RSV season.

  • During roughly September–January, a single RSV vaccine dose is recommended in weeks 32–36 of pregnancy to pass antibodies to the baby and lower the chance of severe RSV in early infancy.
  • If the pregnant parent does not get this vaccine, their infant is generally recommended to receive a long‑acting monoclonal antibody (such as nirsevimab or similar products) before or during their first RSV season.

Babies, Toddlers, and High‑Risk Kids

Instead of a classic “vaccine shot series,” many infants get protected with special RSV immunization injections that act like ready‑made antibodies.

  • All infants under about 8 months old entering their first RSV season should be protected either via maternal RSV vaccination in late pregnancy or via an antibody product given directly to the baby.
  • Children 8–19 months old may get another dose of an antibody product if they are at high risk (for example, certain heart or lung diseases, severe prematurity, or serious immune problems) and are entering their second RSV season.

Why Not Everyone, Every Year?

Right now, RSV vaccination for adults and pregnancy is recommended as a one‑time dose rather than an annual shot, unlike flu, based on current evidence about durability of protection.

  • Routine RSV vaccination of all healthy younger adults or older children is not recommended at this time; the focus stays on people most likely to end up in the hospital if they get RSV.
  • As new data arrive (and because RSV vaccines are relatively new), recommendations may keep evolving over the next few seasons.

Bottom Line (Always Check With a Clinician)

If you or a family member is in any of these groups, a conversation with a healthcare professional is important:

  • Age 75+ (likely should get an RSV vaccine).
  • Age 50–74 (or 60–74) with significant heart, lung, immune, or other chronic conditions.
  • Pregnant in the third trimester during RSV season.
  • Parent or caregiver of an infant under 2 years, especially if premature or with medical conditions.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.