If you are 60 or older and have not yet received an RSV vaccine, you may be leaving critical protection on the table — and paying out of pocket unnecessarily. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, kills between 6,000 and 10,000 seniors every year in the United States, and hospitalization rates in adults over 65 rival those of influenza. The good news: as of 2026, Medicare covers all three FDA-approved RSV vaccines at $0 out-of-pocket under Part D — but millions of eligible seniors still have not gotten the shot. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is RSV and Why Are Seniors at High Risk?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like illness in most healthy adults. But for seniors — especially those over 75 or with underlying conditions — RSV can be life-threatening. The CDC estimates RSV causes approximately 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths annually among adults 65 and older.
Why are older adults so vulnerable? As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken in a process called immunosenescence. The cilia in our airways become less effective at clearing mucus and pathogens. And many seniors have underlying lung or heart conditions — COPD, asthma, heart failure — that dramatically increase the risk of severe RSV complications including pneumonia, respiratory failure, and worsening of chronic disease.
The 3 FDA-Approved RSV Vaccines for Seniors in 2026
Three RSV vaccines are currently FDA-approved and recommended by the CDC for older adults. All three are covered by Medicare Part D at no cost-sharing:
| Vaccine | Manufacturer | Type | Age Eligibility | Doses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arexvy | GSK | Adjuvanted protein subunit | 60+ | 1 dose |
| Abrysvo | Pfizer | Bivalent protein subunit | 60+ | 1 dose |
| mResvia | Moderna | mRNA | 60+ | 1 dose |
There is no CDC preference among the three vaccines for adults 60 and older. Your pharmacist or doctor can help you choose based on your health history and availability. All three have demonstrated strong real-world effectiveness.
RSV Vaccine Effectiveness: What the Research Shows
The RSV vaccine effectiveness data from the 2023–2024 RSV season — the first full season after FDA approval — is impressive:
- Abrysvo (Pfizer): 79% effective at preventing RSV-related emergency department visits and 73% effective at preventing RSV-related hospitalizations in adults 60 and older.
- Arexvy (GSK): Studies show approximately 82% efficacy against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in adults 60+.
- mResvia (Moderna): The only mRNA RSV vaccine, showing approximately 83% efficacy against RSV lower respiratory tract disease in adults 60+.
For context, the standard flu vaccine is typically 40–60% effective in seniors — meaning the RSV vaccines are performing at least as well, if not better, than the standard influenza shot.
CDC Recommendations: Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
As of 2026, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends RSV vaccination as follows:
- All adults age 75 and older: Routine RSV vaccination is recommended for everyone in this age group.
- Adults age 60–74 at increased risk: Vaccination is recommended if you have chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune system, live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, or have other conditions that increase RSV risk.
- Adults 60–74 in average health: Vaccination may still be appropriate — discuss with your doctor based on personal preference and risk factors.
You only need one dose. There is currently no recommendation for annual booster doses, though this guidance may be updated as more data becomes available.
How Medicare Covers the RSV Vaccine in 2026
Here is the critical detail every senior needs to know: Medicare Part D covers RSV vaccines at $0 cost to you — no deductible, no copay, no coinsurance. This is required by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which mandated $0 cost-sharing for all ACIP-recommended vaccines under Part D.
| Coverage Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part D | Covers all 3 RSV vaccines at $0 — no deductible applies |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Must cover RSV vaccine at $0 if plan includes Part D drug coverage |
| Medicare Part B | Does NOT cover RSV vaccine (Part B covers flu, COVID, pneumococcal) |
| Medigap Supplement | Does not add RSV coverage — Part D handles it |
Important: Because RSV vaccines are covered under Part D (not Part B like flu shots), you need to get the vaccine at a pharmacy or provider who accepts your specific Part D plan. Call your Part D plan or check Medicare.gov to confirm in-network pharmacies near you.
RSV Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect
All three RSV vaccines are generally well-tolerated in clinical trials. Common side effects — usually mild and resolving within 1–3 days — include:
- Injection site pain, redness, or swelling
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Headache
- Fever (uncommon but possible)
Serious side effects are rare. One consideration: early data suggested a possible small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with some RSV vaccines, similar to what is seen with flu vaccines. The FDA is continuing to monitor this. For most seniors, the serious risk of RSV infection far outweighs the very small potential risk of GBS. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of GBS.
Can You Get RSV and Flu Vaccines at the Same Time?
Yes. The CDC states that RSV vaccines can be administered at the same visit as other vaccines, including the flu shot and COVID-19 boosters. However, some older research suggested that co-administration with flu vaccine might slightly reduce the immune response of one or both vaccines in some individuals. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise on the best timing for your specific situation — typically late summer or early fall, before RSV season begins (November through April).
5 Action Steps: Get Your RSV Vaccine Now
- Check your eligibility: If you are 75 or older, you qualify automatically. If you are 60–74, review your health conditions with your doctor.
- Confirm your Part D coverage: Call your Medicare Part D plan or visit Medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d to confirm RSV vaccine is covered at $0.
- Find a pharmacy: Use Medicare’s vaccine finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find an in-network location.
- Schedule before RSV season: RSV season runs November–April. The best time to vaccinate is September–October, before exposure risk peaks.
- Ask about combining vaccines: If you are also due for a flu shot or COVID booster, ask your pharmacist whether same-day administration is appropriate for you.
The Bottom Line
RSV is not just a baby’s illness. For seniors, it is a serious — and potentially fatal — respiratory threat. Three effective vaccines are now available, Medicare covers them at $0, and getting vaccinated is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health this fall. Do not wait until RSV season arrives to think about this. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist today about which RSV vaccine is right for you.
Sources: CDC RSV Vaccines for Adults | Medicare.gov | Healthline Medicare RSV Vaccine Coverage
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