Vaccines offered at Walgreens vary by state, age and health conditions. Talk to your local pharmacist about availability.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover within two weeks. However, certain groups, such as infants, young children, and older adults, are more likely to develop severe infections including bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumococcal pneumonia.
While many people associate RSV with babies and young children, older adults can also get the virus and are at risk for developing complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 60,000–160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized with RSV each year and 6,000–10,000 die due to the viral infection.
All adults ages 75 and older should receive a single dose of an RSV vaccination.
Adults ages 60–74 who are at an increased risk for severe RSV disease due to chronic medical conditions and other risk factors should receive a single dose of an RSV vaccination.
Adults 18–59 who are at increased risk of lower respiratory track disease caused by RSV.
The RSV vaccine is also recommended for pregnant individuals, 32 to 36 weeks gestation, to prevent lower respiratory track disease caused by RSV in their newborns. In most of the United States, vaccine administration should be between September and January, which coincides with the time of year when RSV infections tend to be the most common.
• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any severe allergies.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.
