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Published on: 9/23/2026

At what age can you get the RSV vaccine?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

RSV vaccination is generally recommended for all adults ages 75 and older, and for adults ages 50 to 74 who have certain risk factors such as chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, weakened immunity, or living in a nursing home. Licensed options include Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mResvia for adults 50 and up, while Abrysvo is also given to pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns, and infants may instead receive a preventive antibody shot rather than a vaccine. Timing, risk conditions, and whether you have already had a dose all change the answer, so see below for the full age-by-age details before deciding.

If you are weighing RSV protection because of a cough, fever, wheezing, or congestion happening right now, a free, instant, online symptom check can help you sort out whether your symptoms point to RSV, flu, COVID-19, or something else. It takes only a few minutes, asks the same kinds of questions a clinician would, and gives you clear, personalized guidance on what to do next and how urgently you should be seen.

Last reviewed for medical accuracy: 09/23/2025

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Explanation

At What Age Can You Get the RSV Vaccine?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lung and airway infections. In most healthy people, it feels like a cold. But in infants, older adults, and those with certain health issues, RSV can lead to serious illness. One of the key questions many ask is: “At what age can you get the RSV vaccine?” Here’s what you need to know.

What Is RSV?

  • RSV is a virus that infects your nose, throat and lungs.
  • It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Symptoms often include runny nose, cough, mild fever and wheezing.
  • In high-risk groups, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways) or pneumonia.

Who’s at Higher Risk?

While anyone can catch RSV, certain groups face greater complications:

  • Infants under 6 months
  • Adults aged 60 and older
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Those with chronic heart or lung disease

Knowing your risk helps guide whether and when to get vaccinated.

RSV Vaccine Age Recommendations

Current approvals and guidelines focus on two main groups: older adults and pregnant people. There’s not yet an RSV vaccine for healthy infants and young children, though passive immunization options exist.

1. Adults Aged 60 and Older

  • Approved Vaccines: Two RSV vaccines are authorized for adults 60+:
    • Arexvy (by GSK)
    • Abrysvo (by Pfizer)
  • Why Age 60+? Immune defenses weaken with age. Vaccination can reduce the risk of severe RSV illness, hospitalization and death.
  • When to Get It:
    • Ideally before RSV season (fall/winter).
    • A single dose provides protection throughout the season.
  • Who Should Consider It:
    • Anyone 60 or older, even if healthy.
    • Especially those with lung or heart conditions.

2. Pregnant People (32–36 Weeks’ Gestation)

  • Vaccine: Abrysvo (Pfizer) has approval for use in pregnancy.
  • Purpose: Maternal antibodies pass to the baby, protecting newborns during their first months.
  • Timing:
    • Administer between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Guarantees peak antibody levels at birth.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces baby’s risk of hospitalization from RSV in the first 6 months.
    • Offers indirect protection until the infant’s own immune system matures.

3. Infants and Young Children

  • No Direct RSV Vaccine: To date, no RSV vaccine is licensed for healthy infants under 6 months.
  • Passive Immunization:
    • Nirsevimab (Beyfortus): A long-acting antibody for infants up to 8 months, reducing hospitalizations.
    • Palivizumab (Synagis): Recommended only for highest-risk infants (premature or with heart/lung disease).
  • Future Vaccines: Pediatric RSV vaccines are in clinical trials but not yet available.

Benefits vs. Possible Side Effects

Understanding what to expect can help you make an informed decision without undue worry.

Benefits

  • Reduced Severity: Fewer hospital visits and complications.
  • Protection for Loved Ones: Especially important in households with infants or older adults.
  • Community Impact: Lower transmission helps protect others.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and short-lived:

  • Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches

Severe reactions are rare. If you experience breathing problems, high fever or hives, seek medical care immediately.

How to Decide If It’s Right for You

  1. Check your age and health status.
  2. Talk with your primary care provider or OB/GYN.
  3. Review potential benefits and side effects.
  4. Plan vaccination before RSV season or, if pregnant, between 32–36 weeks.

For an extra layer of guidance, consider a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker to explore your risks and symptoms from home.

Final Thoughts

  • rsv vaccine age guidelines currently cover:
    • Adults 60+
    • Pregnant people at 32–36 weeks
  • No general infant RSV vaccine yet, but passive antibody options exist.
  • Vaccination reduces serious illness and helps protect those around you.

If you or a loved one are considering the RSV vaccine, or if you have symptoms that could be serious, always speak to a doctor. For life-threatening conditions—such as difficulty breathing, high fever unresponsive to medication, or signs of severe dehydration—seek emergency medical care without delay.

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