RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

woman and baby cuddling

CDPH Respiratory Virus Hub

What You Need to Know

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes cold-like symptoms. It can cause severe disease for infants and older adults. In most years, RSV is most common between October through March. RSV can spread at the same time as COVID-19 and flu. It’s important to protect yourself and others by getting vaccines for all three diseases. This is especially true if you are at risk for severe disease.

People with RSV infection typically have the following symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Wheezing
In very young infants: increased irritability and difficulty breathing

It can spread when:

Someone with the virus sneezes or coughs
Someone with the virus is in close contact with others
Touching infected surfaces then touching your face without first washing your hands

RSV can cause:

Severe inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis)
Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

Those more likely to need hospitalization due to RSV include:

Infants under one year old, especially infants with underlying conditions
Adults 50-74 years old with underlying conditions
Adults 75 years old or older

Prevention

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends RSV immunizations for:

Older adults
Pregnant people
Infants and some toddlers

Unlike flu and COVID-19, there are no treatments for RSV. This is why preventing RSV infection is so important.

If you are feeling sick, visit the CDPH I'm Feeling Sick page.

For additional steps on how you can prevent respiratory viral illnesses, visit the CDPH How to Stay Healthy page.

RSV Vaccines

Older Adults

CDPH recommends RSV vaccines for:

Adults aged 75 and older
Adults aged 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, such as:

Adults with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma
Adults with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV, or having cancer treatments)
Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions, for example:

Diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, etc.

Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities

RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time. If you need an RSV vaccine you can get it at the same visit as your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Reach out to your local medical provider, clinic or pharmacy. Ask if an RSV vaccine is right for you and about availability.

Most private insurance, Medicare Part D (PDF), and Medi-Cal cover RSV vaccines for adults. Contact your local health department to learn where to go to get low- or no-cost vaccines if:

You do not have health insurance
Your health insurance does not cover the cost of this immunization

For Pregnant People

CDPH recommends RSV vaccine for pregnant people to prevent RSV infections in their infants:

At 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy

During the months of September through March

Pregnant people should not get the RSV vaccine if they received it during a prior pregnancy. It's safe to get the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines you need during pregnancy such as:

Tdap
COVID-19
Influenza

For Infants & Toddlers

CDPH recommends RSV immunization for infants and toddlers:

At the earliest opportunity between October 1 and March 31.

RSV immunization can help infants and toddlers:

Be protected against severe RSV illness

You can give an RSV immunization to:

All infants under eight months of age. This is if the birthing parent did not receive vaccine during pregnancy.
Infants and toddlers eight through 19 months of age if they are at higher risk for severe RSV.

Infants need protection from either the prenatal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, but not both. Talk to your doctor about:

Getting RSV vaccine during your pregnancy
RSV immunization for your baby
Recommendations for your child

Where to Get Vaccinated

At your doctor’s office

Insurance usually covers vaccines.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

Uninsured children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through VFC.
Healthcare providers must enroll in VFC to offer no-cost vaccines.
Contact your doctor to find out if they are enrolled in VFC.

Use MyTurn

Schedule your immunizations on MyTurn.

At a Pharmacy

Pharmacies usually accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal.
Some pharmacies have enrolled in VFC and can offer no-cost vaccines to uninsured children. Call ahead to check if your pharmacy is enrolled in VFC.

Through your Local Health Department

Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost immunizations.

Most private insurance plans should cover RSV immunizations for children. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides recommended vaccines to children who are: