Anyone Who Needs the RSV Vaccine (and Where to Get It)
Respiratory syncytial virus , or RSV, appears as a bad cold for most people. Its symptoms include cough, nasal congestion and low temperature. However, it is one of the major diseases that can lead to hospitalization and complications , especially in children and the elderly. Without treatment it can be fatal. Fortunately, there are now vaccines. Let’s figure out who needs to be vaccinated and when.
Babies
Parents breathed a sigh of relief when the RSV vaccine became available for babies . The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children under eight months of age receive the RSV vaccine in the fall along with their flu shot, although they can get the vaccine later in the season if they have not already had it. Infants aged eight to 19 months should also be vaccinated if they are immunocompromised. Premature babies are at particular risk.
The RSV vaccine provides increased immunity for several months, and because it is now included in your mandatory vaccination schedule, your health care provider offers it at no additional cost—either because it is fully covered by insurance or Vaccines for Children . , which covers Medicaid-eligible and American Indian or Alaska Native children. Infants can be vaccinated at the pediatrician’s or family doctor’s office according to the regular vaccination schedule or as recommended by a doctor.
Adults over 60
Adults over 60 years of age are at risk for complications from RSV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Adults at greatest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.” Adults over 60 years of age are recommended to use a different vaccine than the one available for children. It can be given along with flu and COVID vaccinations .
There are several places where you can get the vaccine . To start, your doctor or pharmacy has the RSV vaccine. Similar to early COVID vaccinations, there are some clinics that offer RSV vaccinations, such as public health clinics ,Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) , and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) .
These preventative vaccinations are usually fully covered by insurance, but you may need to make sure your provider is in network. For adults, the CDC says, “If you have Medicare Part D, your health care provider may recommend that you get the RSV vaccine at a pharmacy. In some states, you may need a prescription to purchase the vaccine from a pharmacy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best places to get the RSV vaccine in your area.”
Pregnant people
At 32–36 weeks of pregnancy , the CDC recommends the RSV vaccine . Getting recommended vaccines during pregnancy helps protect your baby from disease for up to six months after birth. They saw hospitalizations of infants born to people vaccinated against RSV halve. Pregnant women will likely receive the vaccine at their doctor’s office, but may ask their primary care doctor or pharmacy about getting it.
Other adults and children over eight months
Most people are not at particular risk of contracting RSV. As with any respiratory illness, people with RSV illness should avoid other, particularly sensitive populations. Currently, vaccination for people under 60 years of age is not recommended and is not covered by insurance. If you think you are at risk of contracting RSV due to other medical conditions, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize your risk of infection.