RSV Vaccine: What It Is, How It Differs From the Flu Vaccine & Who Should Get It

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe lung infections—especially in newborns, pregnant mothers, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions. While most healthy adults get only mild symptoms, certain groups are more vulnerable and may require stronger protection.

This is where the RSV vaccine plays an important role.

What Is the RSV Vaccine?

The RSV vaccine protects against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a virus that spreads through respiratory droplets.
It helps prevent:

• Severe lower respiratory infection

• Bronchiolitis and pneumonia

• Hospital admission

• Breathing difficulty in infants and older adults

Unlike routine childhood vaccines, the RSV vaccine is not for everyone, but it provides essential protection for high-risk individuals.

RSV Vaccine vs Flu Vaccine — What's the Difference?

Many people confuse RSV with influenza, but they are two completely different viruses, and the vaccines are not interchangeable.

Flu Vaccine (Influenza A & B)

• Protects against flu viruses

• Recommended yearly for everyone above 6 months old

• Reduces symptoms, complications, and hospitalisation

• Updated annually based on circulating strains

RSV Vaccine

• Protects specifically against RSV

• Not a yearly vaccine

• Recommended for selected groups only

• Designed to prevent severe RSV infection

In simple terms:

• Flu vaccine = Influenza protection

• RSV vaccine = RSV protection
  They work differently and target different viruses.

Who Should Consider the RSV Vaccine?

1. Pregnant Women (32–36 Weeks)

The RSV vaccine is recommended during 32–36 weeks of pregnancy to transfer antibodies to the baby.
This helps protect newborns from severe RSV infection in the first six months of life.

2. Older Adults (≥60 Years Old)

Older adults have a higher risk of pneumonia, severe infection, and hospitalisation.
The vaccine reduces complications and helps prevent respiratory distress during RSV season.

3. Individuals With Chronic Medical Conditions

People with underlying health issues may not tolerate RSV well:

• Asthma or COPD

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Weakened immune system

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalisation.

4. Babies and Young Children

Babies do not receive the RSV vaccine directly.
Instead, high-risk infants receive a special protective injection (monoclonal antibody) to reduce severe RSV infection.

Do Healthy Adults Need the RSV Vaccine?

Generally no.
Healthy adults usually recover from RSV like a common cold.
The vaccine is mainly targeted for high-risk groups where the benefits are stronger.

Final Thoughts

The RSV vaccine is an important preventive tool, especially for:

• Pregnant mothers (32–36 weeks)

• Newborn babies (through maternal antibodies)

• Older adults

• People with chronic medical conditions

It is not the same as the flu vaccine, and each plays a different role in preventing respiratory infections. If you're unsure whether the RSV vaccine is suitable for you or your loved ones, MediHope Clinic is ready to provide personalised advice.