Adults age 60 and older can receive the RSV vaccine using a shared decision model through which the decision to be vaccinated is made on an individual level and informed by a decision process between the health care provider and the patient

Established U-M Health primary care patients can make an appointment with your primary care clinic to receive the vaccine. Because the vaccine appointment needs to include a shared decision-making conversation with your provider, these are individual vaccine appointments and are not able to be provided through a community vaccine clinic event.

It is recommended that pregnant individuals receive the RSV immunization between week 32 and week 36 of the pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy provides important protections for infants, which is particularly important since the U.S. is experiencing shortages of the RSV immunization that is recommended for children.

Established patients who are receiving their prenatal care from U-M Health can receive the RSV immunization at one of their routine prenatal appointments. No special appointment is needed.

The dose required for children weighing less than 11 pounds is in very limited supply.

Newborn infants who weigh less than 11 pounds and are younger than 6 months of age are at highest risk and are encouraged to get the RSV immunization.

Newborns born at Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital may be able to receive immunization in our birth center. In addition, infants who are established patients of a U-M Health pediatrician or family medicine provider may receive their RSV immunization at their newborn or 2-week follow-up appointment depending on immunization availability.

The dose required for children weighing more than 11 pounds is in very limited supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has directed providers to prioritize this RSV immunization dosage for children at highest risk for serious illness from RSV. This includes:

• Infants less than 6 months of age
• Infants age 6 months through 7 months who have a medical condition that increases their risk for serious illness from RSV
• American Indian and Alaska Native infants aged less than 8 months

Adults may also find the RSV vaccine available through retail pharmacies and public health departments.

Supplies of the RSV immunization for children are very limited across the nation this year. Most retail pharmacies are not expected to offer the vaccine for children, and most health providers will only be able to provide immunization to some of their established patients. All health providers have been directed by the CDC to prioritize the larger dose of the pediatric immunization to children at the highest risk for serious illness from RSV.

• Keep your family up to date on other immunizations, especially the COVID-19 vaccination and flu vaccination.
• Limit your baby’s exposure to crowds and individuals with colds. Keep children home from school or child care when they are sick and teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes.
• Be sure your family makes a habit of washing hands with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
• Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly and avoid exposing your child to smoke from tobacco or other substances.
• Feed your baby breastmilk. It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections.