The RSV Vaccine

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RSV Vaccine Basics

Prevention

There are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of RSV. Specifically, if you have cold-like symptoms, you should: wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face and stay home when you’re sick. The first vaccine for RSV prevention has been approved by the FDA and is now available at the pharmacy.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or 2, but RSV can be a serious illness, especially for infants and older adults.

Symptoms

People infected with RSV usually show cold-like symptoms within 4-6 days of infection. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV don’t usually need to be hospitalized. But some people with RSV, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months, may need to be hospitalized if they’re having trouble breathing or they’re dehydrated.

Prevention

There are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of RSV. Specifically, if you have cold-like symptoms, you should: wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face and stay home when you’re sick. The first vaccine for RSV prevention has been approved by the FDA and is now available at the pharmacy.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or 2, but RSV can be a serious illness, especially for infants and older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These answers to frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or 2, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.

    People infected with RSV usually show symptoms 4-6 days after infection. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.

    There are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of RSV. Specifically, if you have cold-like symptoms, you should:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others.
    • Frequently clean touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

    The first vaccine for RSV prevention has been approved by the FDA and is now available at the pharmacy.

Other Recommended Vaccines

Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your RSV vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia and more.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Keep your family healthy with free flu vaccines available in-store.*Learn About Influenza

COVID-19 Vaccine

We’re offering the new COVID-19 vaccine so you can stay up to date with the latest guidance.Learn About COVID-19

Pneumonia Vaccine

There are 4 types of pneumonia vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.Learn About Pneumonia

Shingles Vaccine

If you’re over 50, it may be time for your herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.Learn About Shingles

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Keep your family healthy with free flu vaccines available in-store.*Learn About Influenza

COVID-19 Vaccine

We’re offering the new COVID-19 vaccine so you can stay up to date with the latest guidance.Learn About COVID-19

Pneumonia Vaccine

There are 4 types of pneumonia vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.Learn About Pneumonia

Shingles Vaccine

If you’re over 50, it may be time for your herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.Learn About Shingles

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The RSV Vaccine

Are you wondering if the RSV vaccine is right for you? When it comes to your health, it’s important to prioritize preventive measures and stay informed about the latest medical advancements. Taking proactive steps and making informed decisions can greatly contribute to your overall well-being. On this page, we’ll go over information you need to know about RSV as well as answer common questions you may have about the new RSV vaccine.

What Does RSV Stand for and What Is the RSV Virus?

RSV, which stands for Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) Virus, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms in adults and children. It can be more serious in infants and older adults. To limit the spread of RSV, it is important to know how to identify the symptoms and take preventive measures when possible.

What are the Symptoms of RSV?

People infected with RSV usually start to show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after infection; symptoms may appear in stages rather than all at once. Symptoms are often cold-like and may include one of more of the following:

  • Coughing
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing

These symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, you should wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face and stay home if possible. In healthy individuals, most RSV infections will go away on their own within a week or two. If you, your child or a loved one is having difficulty breathing or experiencing worsening symptoms, contact your provider or care team right away.

Is There a Vaccine for RSV?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved two RSV vaccines for adults. The vaccines prevent lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older. With these vaccines, Americans over the age of 60, and particularly those with underlying health conditions, will be able to better protect themselves against potentially serious outcomes from RSV.

Other Recommended Vaccines

Are you up to date on all of your vaccines? While getting your RSV vaccine, you can also catch up on your flu, COVID-19, pneumonia or Tdap vaccine. Take a look at our Vaccine Finder to make sure you and your loved ones are up-to-date and fully protected.

Continue your health journey by viewing our Healthcare Department Hub or exploring the Pharmacy. No matter where you are in your pursuit, we offer support, inspiration, information and the health and wellness products you need to help you along the way.