RSV

Protection for infants, older adults, and those at higher risk

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and airways. Many people recover within a few weeks, but RSV can be serious—especially for infants, older adults, and people with certain health conditions. In some cases, RSV may lead to breathing problems and hospitalization.

At Marshfield Clinic, our Family Medicine, Pediatric, OB/GYN, and Internal Medicine providers help patients understand their RSV risk and the preventive options available—including RSV vaccines for adults and during pregnancy, as well as monoclonal antibody protection for infants and young children.

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Symptoms

RSV symptoms can vary by age and health status. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Decreased appetite
• Cough
• Fever

Infants and older adults may develop more severe symptoms and should be evaluated promptly if breathing concerns arise.

Who's at risk?

RSV can affect anyone, but the risk of severe illness is higher for:

• Infants, especially those born prematurely
• Adults age 75 and older
• Adults ages 50–74 with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system
• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care settings

Vaccine recommendations

RSV vaccines are available to help prevent severe RSV illness in adults and during pregnancy. Current recommendations include:

• Adults age 75 and older: One dose of the RSV vaccine
• Adults ages 50–74 at increased risk: One dose if they have risk factors such as chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, certain other medical conditions, or live in a nursing home
• Pregnant individuals: One dose of the maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy, typically administered between September and January, to help protect the baby during RSV season

The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine. Adults (including pregnant individuals) who have already received one dose should not receive another dose at this time.

Important note:

Patients with Medicare Part D insurance must receive their RSV vaccine at a retail pharmacy.

RSV monoclonal antibody recommendations for infants and young children

In addition to vaccination, certain infants and young children may be protected with a long acting RSV monoclonal antibody.

• Infants younger than 8 months whose mothers did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy
  • Nirsevimab is given shortly before RSV season or within one week of birth if the infant is born between October and March.
• Infants and children ages 8–19 months at increased risk, including those who:
  • Were born prematurely with chronic lung disease
  • Are immunocompromised
  • Have severe cystic fibrosis
  • Are of American Indian or Alaska Native heritage

Eligible children receive one dose of nirsevimab, administered as two injections, typically between October 1 and March 31.

How Marshfield Clinic supports you

Our care teams work with patients and families to:

• Review RSV risk based on age, health conditions, and pregnancy status
• Explain available prevention options in clear, simple terms
• Coordinate vaccines or monoclonal antibody protection when appropriate

We focus on preventive care that supports both individual health and community wellbeing.