Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. In healthy adults and children, RSV rarely causes severe illness; but for older adults and infants below six months of age, infection can pose a serious health risk. Every year, RSV sends an estimated 60,000 to 160,000 older adults to the hospital, underscoring the importance of ensuring those at greatest risk are protected before RSV activity begins to rise.
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools practices have to help reduce that number. Timely RSV vaccination can reduce the risk of hospitalization by up to 69% in adults aged 60 and older, and maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduces an infant's risk of severe RSV illness by a similar margin through the first six months of life. To help practices prepare for the fall surge in respiratory illnesses, here’s a quick guide to the current recommendations for RSV vaccination.
Who Qualifies for Vaccination
Since the vaccine first became available in 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued to update its guidance. Today, those specifications include more patients than many practices may realize.
Adults 75 and older: The CDC recommends a single dose for everyone in this age group, regardless of underlying health conditions.
Adults 50 to 74 at increased risk: In 2025, the recommended starting age for high-risk adults was lowered from 60 to 50, opening the door to a group of younger patients. Within this age group, vaccination is recommended for adults who have chronic heart or lung disease, have weakened immune systems, or live in nursing homes.
Pregnant patients: Also in place since 2023, a dose given between 32 and 36 weeks’ gestation during RSV season—typically September through January—helps protect infants during their first months after birth.
RSV vaccines are not given on an annual basis. In most adult patients, one dose typically provides at least two years of protection. Likewise, pregnant individuals who receive the vaccine within the recommended window protect their newborn for roughly six months after birth. To make the most of their fall outreach efforts, providers can focus on patients who are newly eligible under the expanded criteria rather than on repeat visits for patients who are already covered.
Vaccines Available Today
Currently, three RSV vaccines are available for use in adults: Arexvy from GSK, Abrysvo from Pfizer, and mResvia from Moderna. While older adults can receive any of the three vaccines, Abrysvo is the only vaccine approved for use during pregnancy.
A big consideration for practices is stocking to match their own patient population. Confirming coverage details and preparing inventory ahead of the season helps ensure every eligible patient can get the right vaccine, rather than whichever one happens to be on hand.
Where the Real Opportunity Lies
With more than half of eligible adults age 60 and older still unvaccinated, it’s essential that practices understand which patients in their population are due for routine vaccination—especially those in the eligible 50-to-74 age group—and initiate planning conversations before RSV season is underway.
A quick chart review before fall visits can identify patients who wouldn’t have qualified even a year ago, turning a routine appointment into an opportunity to close a gap the patient may not know exists.
Atlantic Health Partners works directly with manufacturers to help practices secure favorable RSV vaccine pricing and navigate reimbursement across all three products. This support keeps the administrative side of vaccination—tracking eligibility, coverage, and stock—from competing with the clinical work of identifying and vaccinating eligible patients. Reach out to learn more.