Staying Healthy

Who should get an RSV vaccination this year?

News briefs

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter

l0924h

Have you gotten a vaccine yet for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? That's the potentially vicious bug that can cause a common cold, infections in the upper parts of the respiratory tract, or infection in the lower respiratory tract (such as pneumonia). Last year the CDC recommended that infants, young children, and all adults ages 60 and older get the RSV shot (which is not an annual vaccination). This year, the CDC has narrowed that guidance. An RSV shot is now advised for infants, young children, everyone ages 75 and older, regardless of health; and people ages 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV, such as people with lung or heart disease or those who live in nursing homes. So if you haven't ever gotten the RSV vaccine, you can skip the shot for now if you're an adult age 74 or younger and you're not at increased risk for severe RSV. The new recommendation comes after concerns that the vaccine is tied to very rare cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune condition that can lead to bodywide paralysis.

Image: © Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

About the Author

photo of Heidi Godman

Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter

Heidi Godman is the executive editor of the Harvard Health Letter. Before coming to the Health Letter, she was an award-winning television news anchor and medical reporter for 25 years. Heidi was named a journalism fellow … See Full Bio
View all posts by Heidi Godman

About the Reviewer

photo of Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter

Dr. Anthony L. Komaroff is the Steven P. SimcoxPatrick A. Clifford/James H. Higby Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, senior physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and editor in chief of the … See Full Bio
View all posts by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

You might also be interested in…

COPD-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This Special Health Report, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Treating emphysema and chronic bronchitis, banishes misinformation about COPD and briefs you on today’s most important treatment advances. You will be equipped to work with your physician to create a strategy to reduce COPD’s effects. You’ll learn which medications offer the greatest relief with the fewest side effects. You’ll discover how you can improve breathing efficiency, avoid harmful symptom flare-ups, and reduce your exposure to often-overlooked irritants.

Read More

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.