Skip to Main Content
Important SNAP Updates: See what’s changing and where to get support. Learn more
Important SNAP Updates: See what’s changing and where to get support. Learn more

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Updates

Date: 10/28/25

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe illness in vulnerable populations, including infants, older adults, and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions (Table 1). RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States and poses significant risks to older adults and those with compromised immune systems1,2.

Who Is at Risk?

RSV can affect people of all ages, but the following groups are at increased risk for severe disease:

  • Infants, especially those under 8 months old
  • Children with chronic lung or cardiovascular conditions
  • Adults aged 50–74 with underlying health issues (Table 1)
  • All adults aged 75 and older
  • Pregnant individuals whose babies benefit from maternal antibody protection

Immunization Recommendations

To reduce the burden of RSV-related illness, the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued the Respiratory season guidance for 2025–2026 RSV season1,3.

1. Pregnant People

  • A single dose of Abrysvo™ between 32 0/7 through 36 6/7 weeks gestation, ideally administered between September through January.

2. Infants Under 8 Months of Age

  • Recommended: Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) or Enflonsia™ (clesrovimab) for infants entering their first RSV season if:
    • The mother did not receive RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or
    • The mother’s RSV vaccination status is unknown, or
    • The infant was born within 14 days of maternal RSV vaccination

2. Children Ages 8–19 Months

  • Recommended: Beyfortus™ for children at increased risk of severe RSV disease entering their second RSV season.

Enflonsia™ and Beyfortus™ are both recommended to be given during the first week of life, preferably before discharge, for infants born during the RSV season. Palivizumab (Synagis) is a short-acting monoclonal antibody product that is administered in monthly doses during the RSV season. Palivizumab is no longer routinely recommended for use and will be discontinued as of December 31, 2025.

4. Adults Ages 50 and older

  • Abyrsvo™, mResvia™, and Arexvy™ will be covered in patients age 50 and older

Meridian Illinois updated the prior authorization criteria for Abyrsvo™, mResvia™, and Arexvy™. The criteria are as follows:

A. Request for Immunization:

1. For Abrysvo member meets one of the following (a or b):

a. Age ≥18 years
b. For pregnant members (both i and ii):

i. Member is pregnant at 32 0/7 through 36 6/7 weeks gestation;
ii. Administer during the months of September through January

2. For Arexvy and mResvia member meets the following:

a. Age ≥ 50 years old;

3. Dose does not exceed one injection (0.5 mL) given one time.

Approval duration: 1 month

Prevention Strategies

In addition to immunization, the CDC recommends the following core strategies to reduce transmission.

  • Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water
  • Respiratory etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Surface disinfection: Clean commonly touched surfaces
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals
  • Stay home when ill to prevent spreading the virus

Conclusion

RSV remains a serious public health concern, particularly during the fall and winter months. With the availability of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, we have effective tools to protect those most vulnerable. Healthcare providers and families should work together to ensure timely immunization and preventive care.

Table 1. Underlying Medical Conditions2

Chronic cardiovascular disease

Chronic lung or respiratory disease

End-stage renal disease

Diabetes complicated by microvascular complications or treatment requiring insulin or sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor

Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions causing impaired airway clearance or respiratory muscle

Chronic liver disease

Chronic hematologic conditions

Severe obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2)

Moderate or severe immune compromise

Residence in a nursing home

Other chronic medical conditions or risk factors that a healthcare provider determines would increase the risk for severe disease due to viral respiratory infection

References

1. Respiratory Virus Season Guidance for Clinicians (PDF). Accessed October 22, 2025
2. RSV vaccine guidance for adults. Accessed October 22, 2025.
3. Upcoming Respiratory Syncytial Viral (RSV) season provider notice. Accessed October 22, 2025.