Monterey County Health Officials Recommend that Vulnerable Infants, Pregnant Persons, and Older Adults Get Immunized Against RSV Now to Protect Against Severe Illness this Fall and Winter

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common respiratory virus that often causes colds but can be severe for infants and older adults. RSV can spread at the same time as COVID-19 and influenza (flu), usually between October and March. In 2022 there was an unusually early and severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. This fall, the recent increase in RSV activity in the Southeastern U.S. likely indicates that a rise in RSV cases in the Western U.S. will soon follow.   

RSV spreads through the air when someone with the virus sneezes or coughs and by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face without first washing your hands. Symptoms of RSV usually include fever, cough, runny nose, and wheezing. In very young infants, babies may be unusually fussy and have difficulty breathing. RSV can cause severe illness leading to hospitalization and death in young infants, toddlers with certain medical conditions, and in adults 60 years of age and older.   

The County of Monterey Health Department urges everyone to protect themselves and others by staying up to date on routine and seasonal immunizations, including RSV. RSV immunizations are now available for older adults, pregnant people, and infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following RSV immunizations: 

1.     RSV Immunization for Older Adults: 

RSV vaccines can help protect adults aged 60 years and older from RSV. Adults at highest risk for severe RSV who may benefit most from an RSV vaccine include: 

        Older adults,  

        Adults with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma,  

        Adults with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV, or undergoing cancer treatments),  

        Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, sickle cell disease), and  

        Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. 

2.     RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy: 

RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant people at 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy during the months of September through January. RSV immunizations given to mothers late in pregnancy help protect infants after they are born. 

 

3.     RSV Immunizations to Protect Infants and Toddlers: 

​An RSV immunization called nirsevimab (Beyfortus®)​ can help protect infants and toddlers from severe RSV illness. The protective antibodies in nirsevimab are just like those that develop after a typical vaccine. RSV immunization is recommended for: 

        All infants under 8 months of age, and  

        Infants and toddlers 8 through 19 months of age at high risk for severe RSV, which includes:  

            Premature children with chronic lung disease who required special medical support anytime during the 6 months prior to the start of their second RSV season, 

            Severely immunocompromised children, or 

            Children with cystic fibrosis who have severe lung disease or who are very underweight for their size, or 

            American Indian or Alaska Native children. 

 

RSV immunizations can be given at the same visit for flu and COVID-19 immunizations. RSV immunizations are available at medical offices, clinics, and pharmacies. Ask your medical provider if RSV immunization is right for you or your child and about availability. Most infants will likely only need protection from either the prenatal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, but not both. Check with your insurance provider about costs and coverage. If your child is uninsured, underinsured, Medi-Cal eligible or American Indian/Alaskan Native, they are eligible to receive RSV and other recommended immunizations through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. 

 

​Other Prevention Tips: 

Everyday preventative actions can also help prevent the spread of RSV, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses, including: 

    ​​Staying home if you’re feeling sick. 

    Considering wearing a mask, especially if you are sick or in crowded or indoor areas. High-quality masks continue to be an important tool for preventing the spread of viruses such as RSV, COVID-19 and the flu. 

    Washing your hands regularly. Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water — for at least 20 seconds — is an easy and effective way to stay healthy and slow the spread of viruses. 

    Covering your cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or arm, or use a disposable tissue. Make sure to wash your hands or use sanitizer and dispose of your tissue afterward. 

    Eating healthy foods and getting plenty of rest. 

For More Information: 

    County of Monterey Health Department Fall and Winter Respiratory Virus Season Website:  https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/fall-winter-respiratory-viruses  

    County of Monterey Health Department Influenza Website: www.mtyhd.org/flu 

    CDC RSV Website: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html 

    California Department of Public Health When and Why to Wear a Mask: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/When-and-Why-to-Wear-a-Mask.aspx

    California Department of Public Health Top 5 Tips to Prevent Winter Viruses in English (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/winter-virus-tips-fact-sheet.pdf) and Spanish (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Winter-Virus-Tips-Fact-Sheet--es.pdf)