Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccines (RSV)

Fact Sheet for Healthcare

Providers

CDC recommends that adults ages 60 years and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine using shared 

clinical decision-making (SCDM). 

If you vaccinate, either approved RSV vaccine (AbrysvoTM or Arexvy®) can be used. 

Patients

60+

Years Old 

Doses

One (0.5mL)

dose

Administer

Intramuscularly

in the deltoid

(prior t

St

o r

o

e

r

cons

ag

titution)

e

Refrigerate at

36°F to 46°F 

(2°C to 8°C)

How do shared clinical decision-making recommendations (SCDM) differ from routine,

catch-up, and risk-based immunization recommendations?

• SCDM vaccination recommendations are individually based rather than population based and informed by

a decision process between the health care provider and the patient.

• Consider multiple factors when discussing RSV vaccination with your patients. The decision to vaccinate is

informed by whether the patient has any risk factors for severe RSV disease, a patient’s risk of exposure to

RSV, a patient’s preferences for RSV vaccination, and the clinical discretion of the health care provider.

About RSV vaccines

• Abrysvo is a recombinant stabilized prefusion F protein vaccine approved for the prevention of lower

respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in individuals ages 60 years and older.

• Arexvy is an adjuvanted recombinant stabilized prefusion glycoprotein F vaccine approved for the

prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in individuals ages 60 years and older.
• 

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

• 

o

o

o

o

 

 

Who is most likely to benefit from RSV vaccination?

Adults ages 60 years and older who are at highest risk for severe RSV disease are most likely to benefit from

vaccination. This includes persons with:

Chronic underlying medical conditions such as:

Lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma

Cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease

Moderate or severe immune compromise

Diabetes mellitus

Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions

Kidney disorders 

Liver disorders

Hematologic disorders 

Other underlying conditions that a health care provider determines might increase the risk for severe

respiratory disease

Other factors associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease:

Frailty as determined by the healthcare provider

Advanced age as determined by the healthcare provider

Residence in a nursing home or other long-term care facility 

Other underlying factors that a health care provider determines might increase the risk for severe

respiratory disease

Who should not get RSV vaccine?

You should not give either Abrysyo or Arexvy to a patient who has ever had a severe allergic reaction, such as

anaphylaxis, to a component of either Abrysvo or Arexvy. 

What to discuss with patients about side effects after RSV vaccination

Both vaccines are generally well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. The most common side effects in

clinical trials were similar to other vaccines, and included:

• Pain at the injection site

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle pain and

• Joint pain

Serious neurologic conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), were reported after RSV vaccination

in clinical trials. It is unclear whether the vaccine caused these events.

Until additional information is available from post-marketing surveillance clarifying the existence of any

potential risk, RSV vaccination in older adults may be offered to those who are at highest risk for severe RSV

disease and therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.
• 

• 

• 

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

• Arexvy

• 

Storing RSV vaccines

Abrysvo kit (vial of lyophilized antigen component, prefilled syringe containing sterile water diluent, and a

vial adapter) must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton. Do not freeze. Discard

if lyophilized antigen component or prefilled syringe has been frozen.

Arexvy adjuvant suspension component vial and lyophilized antigen component vials must be refrigerated

at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in original package. Protect vials from light. Do not freeze. Discard if the

adjuvant suspension component or antigen component has been frozen.

Reconstitution

Abrysvo

Prepare by reconstituting the lyophilized antigen component (a sterile white powder) with the

accompanying prefilled syringe containing sterile water diluent component.

Administer Abrysvo immediately or store at room temperature at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) and use

within 4 hours.

Do not store reconstituted vaccine under refrigerated conditions at 36°F to 46° F (2°C to 8°C).

Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine. Discard if the reconstituted vaccine has been frozen.

Discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 4 hours.

Prepare by reconstituting the lyophilized antigen component (a sterile white powder) with the

accompanying adjuvant suspension component (an opalescent, colorless to pale brownish sterile

liquid). 

Administer Arexvy immediately or store protected from light in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46° F (2°C to

8°C) or at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) and use within 4 hours.

Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine. Discard if the reconstituted vaccine has been frozen.

Discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 4 hours.

Administering RSV vaccines

Administer a single dose of RSV vaccine (0.5 mL) intramuscularly in the deltoid region of the upper arm

with a 1-to-1.5-inch needle.

Report adverse reactions to RSV vaccines

Adverse events after vaccination should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

(VAERS). Reporting is encouraged for any clinically significant adverse event – even if it is uncertain

whether the vaccine caused the event. Information is available online on how to submit a VAERS report

or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

CDC RSV Vaccine Information:

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html

MMWR Report:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7229a4.htm?s_cid=mm7229a4_w

Additional Information:

U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention