"RSV Vaccine: A Must-Have for Cold and Flu Season?"
The FDA has approved two RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older, offering a way to lower the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The vaccines are recommended for individuals at higher risk for severe illness from RSV, including those living in group settings, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. For individuals under 60 with risk factors, the vaccine may be given off-label, but insurance likely won't cover it. The vaccines have been found to be effective in preventing illness, with minor side effects such as pain at the injection site and fatigue. It is recommended to get the RSV vaccine as soon as possible, as cases are already increasing in the U.S. It can be administered alongside the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, but spacing them out is also an option.