RSV Vaccination
About
(Please note: Initially, I wrote this information with links to CDC information about these vaccines, diseases and surveillance in the United States. However, on February 8th, 2025, the CDC ceased to post new surveillance updates due to the recent directives of the Trump administration. Therefore, the general information should still be applicable but links may be broken and/or outdated).
One last vaccination currently being recommended for adults is the RSV vaccine. This virus was first identified in the 1950's. RSV is a respiratory illness manifested by cough and nasal and throat symptoms. It can be severe - causing a number of hospitalizations and deaths among infants and children. The illness has recently been recognized as a threat to older people who tend to have weaker immune systems. It is also a threat for those with underlying chronic illnesses, which often cause higher susceptibility and reduced immunity. The CDC estimates that there are, on average, 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6000-10,000 deaths annually in older adults (that is a very broad estimate!).
The first vaccine to protect against RSV was available to the public last year (in 2023). It is so new that I will defer comment on its side effects and effectiveness. I only mention it because it has recently been recommended for older and at-risk people. More information about it can be found on the CDC RSV vaccination website.
Q&A
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I pass out when I get shots. Should I avoid getting them?
Passing out when you get a shot is not that uncommon. First, discuss this with a healthcare provider. Most of these reactions are vasovagal reactions. Most of the time, your mind is just fine about it, but your body does not like it one bit. Once you decide to get the vaccine, be sure to hydrate before and tell the person giving you the vaccine that you sometimes pass out when you get it. The person giving you the vaccine will accommodate your problem by laying you down before you get the vaccination. They will give you the shot and keep an eye on you afterward. ​
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I am immune compromised. Should I get vaccinated?
Those with immunocompromising conditions or on medications that cause potential immune compromise should talk to an immunologist before getting a live virus vaccination because they may not be able to fight off the potential disease that the live virus can cause.
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Does Insurance cover vaccinations?
Although insurance is supposed to cover preventive services, it sometimes does not. Call your insurance company to see if they cover the ones you want and ask where they are covered. Some are only covered in medical facilities like doctors' offices or clinics, and others are only covered at pharmacies (i.e., shingles). They are the COVID-19, flu, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines.
Traditional Medicare is especially tricky: As of this writing, it only covers Hepatitis B for beneficiaries who are at medium or high risk for the virus and Tdap for those with a documented injury.
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The other four vaccines—shingles, RSV, Tdap, and hepatitis A—are covered by Medicare Part D, the optional prescription drug program available to people with Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. Again, be sure to ask your insurance company if they are covered and where. If you do not do this correctly, you can end up with a hefty vaccination bill.
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I have heard that I should NOT take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) after a vaccination - that it will dull my immune response. Is this correct?
Most sources agree that it is acceptable for adults to take ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen) after a vaccination for side effects: Those medicines will not cause a problem with immune response. That being said, if your side effects are not too bad and you do not need to take those medications, you feel you can weather through the side effects, try to do that. Use a cool cloth at the site for soreness, move the arm you got the injection a lot, and dress in cool clothing if you feel hot. Still, if you need the medications for side effects, take them.
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​For more information about vaccines see the CDC
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*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.