The RSV vaccine is generally given as a single dose rather than annually. For adults, particularly those 75 and older or adults 50-74 at increased risk, only one dose of the RSV vaccine is currently recommended. This single dose provides protection that may last for more than one year, and additional doses are not routinely given each RSV season at this time. For infants, specific RSV immunizing antibodies like nirsevimab are given as a single dose at the start of their first RSV season, with possibly another dose for the second RSV season if at ongoing risk. For palivizumab, a different monoclonal antibody, a series of doses every 28 to 35 days is given throughout the RSV season for high-risk infants. Pregnant individuals receive the RSV vaccine as a single dose between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to transfer protective antibodies to the newborn. Among older adults, a one-time dose is given, with no current recommendation for annual re-vaccination like with flu vaccines. In summary:
- Most adults: a single RSV vaccine dose once, not annually.
- Infants at risk: single dose per RSV season, possible second dose next season.
- Pregnant people: single dose during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy.
- Palivizumab infants: multiple doses one month apart in an RSV season.
This schedule aligns with current public health recommendations as the vaccine protection lasts over one RSV season and possibly more, but ongoing evaluation will determine if future doses become necessary.