The RSV vaccine is currently recommended as a single dose for eligible adults, and it is not an annual vaccine. Adults aged 75 and older, and adults aged 50-74 at increased risk of severe RSV, should get one dose of any FDA-licensed RSV vaccine. If a person has already received an RSV vaccine dose (including last year), they do not need to get another dose at this time. The best time to get the vaccine is in late summer or early fall before the RSV season starts. Booster doses or revaccination recommendations may be considered in the future as more data become available, but currently, only one dose is recommended for eligible adults.
For pregnant people, the RSV vaccine is given during each pregnancy between 32 and 36 weeks gestation to protect the baby for the first months after birth, but they are not recommended to get the same vaccine in subsequent pregnancies; instead, the infant may receive passive immunization after birth.
In summary:
- RSV vaccine is a one-time dose for most adults (does not require annual vaccination).
- Recommended for adults 75+ and adults 50-74 at increased risk.
- Best given late summer to early fall.
- Pregnant people get vaccinated each pregnancy between 32-36 weeks gestation.
- No booster doses currently recommended.
This guidance is consistent across health authorities like the CDC, NHS, and others.
