RSV Vaccine Side Effects in Seniors: What to Expect

Understanding RSV in Older Adults

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in most healthy adults. However, RSV can be dangerous in older adults, especially those over 65 years of age.

As we age, our immune systems weaken and have a harder time fighting off viruses like RSV. According to the CDC, each year an estimated 177,000 older adults are hospitalized and 14,000 die in the U.S. from RSV infections.

RSV can progress to a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis in seniors. With a new RSV vaccine now available, older adults can get better protection against this potentially serious virus.

RSV Vaccine for Seniors

In 2022, the FDA approved a new RSV vaccine specifically for adults 60 years and older. This vaccine is designed to trigger an immune response to help your body prevent RSV infections or reduce severity if infected.

The vaccine is administered as a single initial dose followed by a second booster dose one year later. Having an RSV vaccine can help shield seniors against developing severe illness and complications.

Potential RSV Vaccine Side Effects

The most common RSV vaccine side effects are mild and temporary. In clinical trials, the majority of side effects occurred within the first 3 days after vaccination and resolved within 1-2 days.

Common Side Effects of the RSV Vaccine

Here are some of the most frequently reported RSV vaccine side effects among seniors in clinical studies:

Injection Site Reactions

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness

Injection site reactions are very common due to the immune response triggered. These symptoms typically peak within 1-2 days and resolve shortly after.

Muscle Pain

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain

Some recipients experience temporary headache, muscle aches or joint pain. This is thought to be related to the inflammatory response to the vaccine.

Fatigue

Feeling tired or run down was reported by some seniors after the RSV vaccine. Fatigue is common after many types of vaccinations as the body works to build up immunity.

Less Common Side Effects

Some other occasional side effects reported include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Rash

These effects typically remain mild. Only about 5% of those vaccinated develop a low-grade fever. Serious reactions are very rare.

Managing Side Effects from the RSV Vaccine

To help relieve discomfort from RSV vaccine side effects:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed.
• Use cool compresses on the injection site for swelling.
• Drink extra fluids and rest to ease muscle aches, headache and fatigue.
• Avoid strenuous activity for a few days after vaccination to allow your body to recover.

Be sure to contact your doctor if any worrying symptoms develop or persist beyond a few days. But overall, the benefits of RSV protection far outweigh the risk of mild side effects that resolve on their own.

RSV Vaccine Effectiveness in Older Adults

Clinical trial data showed the RSV vaccine is highly effective at preventing severe RSV disease in seniors. Some key findings on effectiveness include:

• Over 80% effective at preventing lower respiratory tract RSV infections needing medical care.
• Nearly 100% effective at preventing severe disease progression.
• 85% reduction in RSV related hospitalizations.
• Significant increases observed in antibodies that fight RSV.

The vaccine was also found to be safe and well tolerated in the studies. Serious adverse events were rare, with side effects limited to temporary mild or moderate reactions.

Lasting Immunity

A key benefit of the vaccine is the durable immune response provided. Seniors who received the initial dose continued to show elevated RSV antibody levels a year later.

This supports the recommendation for a follow-up booster dose at 12 months to provide ongoing protection through the RSV season into a second year.

Who Should Get the New RSV Vaccine?

The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for all adults 60 years and older. This includes:

• Adults with chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease.
• Adults with weakened immune systems.
• Healthy adults turning 60 years old.
• Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Vaccination provides the best defense for seniors against developing severe RSV disease and complications leading to hospitalization or death.

Who Should Not Get the RSV Vaccine?

Some people should avoid the new RSV vaccine due to risks of adverse reactions. You should not receive the RSV shot if you have had:

• A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or its components.
• A diagnosed immunodeficiency disorder.
• Active treatment for cancer.

Talk to your doctor first if you have concerns about getting the vaccine for any other reason.

How is the RSV Vaccine Administered?

The RSV vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm. The steps involved include:

1. The upper arm is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
2. The needle is inserted into the deltoid muscle of the arm.
3. The vaccine dose is injected into the muscle.
4. Pressure is applied after removing the needle.

Many seniors are familiar with shots being administered in the arm from receiving other common vaccines like flu shots or shingles vaccines.

Two-Dose Series

The RSV vaccine requires an initial dose followed by a booster dose one year later. This is because immunity can decrease over time. The booster dose ensures you maintain sufficient RSV antibodies going into the second RSV season.

Be sure to follow up on schedule for the second dose for full protection. Mark your calendar when you receive the first shot as a reminder.

Preventing Serious RSV Infections

Along with getting vaccinated, seniors can take other measures to reduce their risk of severe RSV disease:

• Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals when possible.
• Don't smoke and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Get adequate nutrition and physical activity.
• Ask contacts to get vaccinated to limit exposure opportunities.

Protecting your overall health is key. But vaccination remains the best defense against developing dangerous complications from RSV.

Considerations for RSV Vaccine Timing

It's ideal to get vaccinated well before RSV season hits each year for maximum protection. RSV activity typically ramps up in the fall, peaks in winter, and lasts through early spring.

Some tips for timing your RSV vaccine:

• Get your first dose early in the fall if possible.
• Plan the booster dose 12 months after the initial vaccination.
• Don't delay - speak to your doctor soon about getting protected.

It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination to develop sufficient immunity. Getting vaccinated too late in the season means you may not have full protection when exposure risk is highest.

Help Protect Your Community

Another great reason for seniors to get the new RSV vaccine is to limit the spread of infection through communities. Each person who develops immunity helps create resistance.

Some vulnerable groups at high risk of complications cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons. By getting vaccinated, you help shield these vulnerable individuals through reduced transmission rates.

Work with your healthcare provider, local pharmacies and community groups to promote RSV awareness and vaccination. This protects not just yourself, but those around you as well.

Peace of Mind Against Serious Illness

The new RSV vaccine for older adults delivers vital protection against an infection that causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year among seniors. By getting vaccinated along with good hygiene practices, you can feel at ease knowing your risks are greatly reduced.

Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated for both RSV and the flu ahead of this winter's respiratory virus season. The peace of mind of knowing you have strong immunity is well worth any minor temporary vaccine side effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.