🆕 AGE EXPANSION - MARCH 2026

RSV Vaccine & Immunization Tracker

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to protect infants, pregnant women, and adults. MAJOR UPDATE: GSK Arexvy now approved for adults 18-49 at high risk.

👨‍⚕️ RSV Vaccines for Adults

⭐ MAJOR EXPANSION - March 2026

GSK Arexvy now approved for adults 18-49 years old at increased risk for severe RSV disease. This is a significant expansion from the previous 60+ age group.

GSK Arexvy ★ AGE EXPANSION

EXPANDED MAR 2026

Approval History: Original: Adults 60+ (and 50-59 at risk)
NEW: Adults 18-49 at increased risk (March 13, 2026)

Current Indication: ALL adults 18+ at increased risk for RSV lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD)
Plus: All adults 60+ regardless of risk

High-Risk Conditions: • Cardiopulmonary disease (COPD, asthma, heart failure)
• Kidney disease
• Obesity (BMI ≥30)
• Diabetes
• Chronic medical conditions

Type: Recombinant adjuvanted vaccine (protein-based)

Phase 3b Evidence: Non-inferior immune response in adults 18-49 compared to those 60+
(Immune bridging study supporting age expansion)

Clinical Impact: • Addresses ~17,000 RSV hospitalizations/year in 18-49 age group
• Targets young adults with chronic conditions who face higher RSV risks

Dosing: Single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection

Important Note: NOT for use in pregnancy (separate maternal vaccine available)

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Pfizer Abrysvo (Adult Use)

FDA APPROVED

Indication: Adults 60+ for prevention of RSV-associated LRTD

Type: Recombinant bivalent RSV prefusion F vaccine

Dosing: Single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection

Dual Purpose: Also approved for maternal immunization (see below)

Manufacturer: Pfizer Inc.

🤰 RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women

Maternal vaccination provides passive protection to newborns during their first vulnerable months of life.

Pfizer Abrysvo (Maternal Immunization)

FDA APPROVED

Indication: Pregnant women to provide passive immunity to infants
Prevents RSV-associated LRTD in infants through 6 months of age

Timing: Weeks 32-36 of pregnancy
Administered: September through January (RSV season)

CDC Recommendation: 1 dose during each pregnancy
ONLY approved maternal RSV vaccine

Type: Bivalent RSVpreF vaccine

Efficacy: ~70% reduction in severe RSV disease in infants 0-6 months
Passive antibody transfer from mother to baby

Important: Most infants will not need both maternal vaccine and infant immunization
Consult healthcare provider

Manufacturer: Pfizer Inc.

👶 RSV Protection for Infants

💡 2025-2026 Season Extension

Due to late RSV season start, 48 jurisdictions extended infant immunization recommendations through April 30, 2026 (normally ends March 31). Check with your state health department.

Beyfortus (Nirsevimab)

FDA APPROVED

Type: Monoclonal antibody (NOT a vaccine)
Long-acting passive immunization

Indication: All infants <8 months born during or entering first RSV season
Infants 8-19 months at high risk entering second season

CDC Recommendation: Universal for all infants <8 months during RSV season
1 dose provides protection for ~5 months

Dosing: Single intramuscular injection
<50 kg: Lower dose | ≥50 kg: Higher dose

Season Timing: Typically: September - March
2025-2026: Extended through April 30, 2026 in many states

Note: Most infants don't need both maternal vaccine AND Beyfortus
Babies born to vaccinated mothers may not need Beyfortus

Manufacturers: AstraZeneca & Sanofi

Synagis (Palivizumab)

AVAILABLE

Type: Older monoclonal antibody (shorter-acting)

Use: Limited use - Being replaced by Beyfortus
May be used for high-risk infants when Beyfortus unavailable

Dosing: Monthly injections throughout RSV season
(Beyfortus advantage: single dose)

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

📊 RSV Protection Options by Age Group

📈 RSV Disease Burden

Infants

Leading cause of hospitalization in infants

Adults 18-49

17,000

RSV hospitalizations/year (with chronic conditions)

Adults 65+

60,000-160,000

RSV hospitalizations/year in older adults

Season Duration

5-7 months

Typical RSV season (varies by region)

Last Updated: April 28, 2026

Major Update: GSK Arexvy age expansion to 18-49 years (March 13, 2026)

Information based on FDA approvals, CDC guidance, and manufacturer data as of April 2026