Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – Provider Resource

What do I need to know about RSV?

Clinical Overview of RSV
The CDC's clinical overview of RSV describes the virus as a common cause of respiratory illness, particularly severe in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. It outlines symptoms, high-risk groups, and prevention strategies, including vaccines for at-risk adults and immunizations for pregnant people and infants.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines and Therapeutics
This webpage from the American Academy of Family Physicians provides clinical guidance recommendations from CDC and AAFP on the different RSV vaccines and which populations they are approved for along with printable resources.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) provides an overview of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), noting that it is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious respiratory illness, especially in infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The page highlights symptoms, prevention strategies like vaccination, and emphasizes the burden RSV places on healthcare, particularly due to hospitalizations in vulnerable populations.

Reducing the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Across the Lifespan
The journal article in the Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice highlights the significant burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) across all age groups, especially infants and older adults, emphasizing its under-recognition as a public health concern. It discusses strategies to reduce the impact of RSV, including increasing awareness, improving diagnostics, and supporting research for vaccines and treatments to mitigate the economic and health effects of the virus.

How can vaccines prevent RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations
This is a central CDC page providing information about RSV immunizations and links to more specific information about vaccination for different populations (infants, young children, pregnant people, and older adults).

How does RSV affect adults?

Vaccine Coverage in U.S. Nursing Homes – Dec 2023
This CDC report “Coverage with Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Among Nursing Home Residents — National Healthcare Safety Network, United States, December 2023” examines vaccination coverage rates for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 among nursing home residents in the US, highlighting the importance of vaccination in this vulnerable population.

FDA Approves First RSV Vaccine
This Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement details the FDA's approval of the first RSV vaccine (Arexvy) for adults aged 60 and older, signifying a significant step in preventing RSV-related illness in this age group.

RSV and Cardiovascular Health
This American Heart Association resource explores the connection between RSV and cardiovascular health, potentially indicating an increased risk of heart problems in individuals with severe RSV infections, emphasizing the need for further research and preventive measures.

What do I need to know about
RSV in Infants and Children

Prophylaxis: Past, Present and Future
This abstract “Updates on respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis: the past, present and future” provides a review of the vaccine development, the spectrum of RSV prophylaxis, current challenges associated with the cost, insurance coverage and equitable distribution of targeted therapies.

What is the best way to address vaccine hesitancy in patients?

RSV Vaccine: Questions patients may have and how to answer
This webpage from the American Medical Association provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive guide on addressing common patient concerns about the RSV vaccine. It includes evidence-based responses to enhance patient understanding and acceptance.

How to Talk About Vaccines
The World Health Organization’s guide offers strategies and tips for healthcare providers to effectively communicate the benefits and safety of vaccines to patients. It emphasizes empathy and factual information to build trust and dispel myths.

Need Help Responding to Vaccine -Hesitant Parents?
This Immunize.org resource supports healthcare providers in addressing the concerns of vaccine-hesitant parents. The article provides websites to science-based materials from many respected organizations.

Vaccine Hesitancy: Resources & Information
This section of Immunize.org provides a wealth of resources and information aimed at understanding and mitigating vaccine hesitancy for parents and their babies. It includes educational materials, research findings, and communication strategies to support healthcare professionals in promoting vaccine acceptance.

What are some other resources
to learn about RSV?

RSV Immunizations Podcast
The website provides an RSV Immunization Podcast by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). This podcast is dedicated to discussing the various aspects of RSV immunizations, including eligibility criteria and mechanisms of action.

Inside Family Medicine Podcast: A maternal RSV Vaccination Discussion
The American Academy of Family Physicians website hosted a podcast on maternal RSV vaccination guidelines and recommendations and ways to overcome vaccine hesitancy.