RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes a mild cold, but can also cause severe disease, especially in infants and older adults. RSV is the most common infection of the lungs and reason for hospitalization in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
Almost all children get RSV at least once before they are two years old.āÆ
āRSV immunization is recommended for:
- All infants younger than 8 monthsāÆāÆ
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Infants/toddlers 8 through 19 months at
high risk for severe RSVāÆ
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People who are pregnant at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy -
to protect their babies
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Older adults aged 75 and older
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Adults 60-74 years
who are
at increased risk of severe RSV. This includes people with chronic heart or lung disease, certain other chronic medical conditions, and those who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning if someone has already gotten an RSV vaccine, they do not need to get another one.
āāTalk with your health care provider to see if RSV immunization is right for you or your family members.āāā
Also take every day preventative measures to limit the spread of RSVā and other respiratory illnesses such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask in crowded indoor places and staying home when sick. ā
Additional Resources
CDPH Material Co-brand Disclaimer
Local health jurisdictions (LHJs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) may co-brand materials created by CDPH (those in CDPH Office of Communications Toolkits) by adding their agency logo next to or near the CDPH logo. Be sure there is ample space between the two logos. Materials may not be altered or edited in any other way, including removal or adjustment of the CDPH logo.āāāā
Vidāāāeo PSA
RSV Vaccines During Pregnancy (Released December 2023)
California Surgeon General, Dr. Diana Ramos, discusses the benefits of RSV immunization (as well as Tdap, COVID-19 and flu vaccination) during pregnancy. āPregnant people between 32ā36 weeks of pregnancy can receive the RSV vaccine and pass protection on to their baby.ā
Vacunas contra el VRS durante el embarazo (publicado en diciembre del 2023)
La cirujana general de California, Dra. Diana Ramos, habla sobre los beneficios de la vacuna contra el VRS (incluidas las vacunas contra la tosferina (Tdap), la influenza y el COVID-19) durante el embarazo. Las personas entre 32 a 36 semanas de embarazo pueden recibir la vacuna VRS y asĆ transmitir esta protecciĆ³n a su bebĆ©.ā
Social Media - Englishā
āāāUse the images and suggested messaging below to help educate Californians about the importance of the RSV immunizations for specific populations. Feel free to customize and share via social media platforms, websites, patient portals, emails, and other ways to reach your audiences. We also encourage posting pictures from your own community.ā
āTo use these images, click on each one to enlarge the image, then right click and āsave as.ā ā
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Suggested messaging: Everyone 75 and older should get the RSV vaccine. Itās also recommended for adults ages 60-74 who live in a nursing home or have certain chronic health conditions.
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Suggested Messaging:
The RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 75 and older. Itās also recommended for adults ages 60-74 who have certain chronic health conditions or live in a nursing home. Ask your health carāāe provider if you should get the RSV vaccine. Itās OK to get the #RSV vaccine at the sameāÆtime as #flu and #COVID-19 vaccines. Protect yourself and your loved ones from getting very sick this virus season!
āLearn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/RSV.aspx
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āSuggested Messaging: Enjoy their cuddles, not their cooties! Adults 60 and older, ask your doctor if the #RSV vaccine is right for you! This vaccine protects against severe illness caused by RSV, a respiratory virus which circulates in the fall and winter.āÆ
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āSuggested Messaging: RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.āÆGet life-saving protection against #RSV infection. Talk with your pediatrician to learn about the #RSV immunization for infants and toddlers. Keep your little one healthy and strong this cold and flu season.āÆ
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āSuggested Messaging: Young children, pregnant people and older adults 60+ may be eligible for immunization against #RSV, a common respiratory virus that can lead to severe disease. Talk to your health care provider today and keep your whole family safe this respiratory virus season.
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āSuggested Messaging: Young babies are at higher risk for severe illness from RSV, a common respiratory virus. Help protect your baby before birth! Ask your doctor or midwife about the
RSV vaccine for pregnant people.
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Suggested Messaging:
Did you know? RSV, a common respiratory virus, is the leading cause of hospitalization for baāābies under one year old. You have the power to protect your baby today. Ask your doctor or midwife about the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
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