How Often Should an 80 Year Old Get an RSV Vaccine?

Oct 5, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Vaccinations

Each year, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) hospitalizes tens of thousands of older adults, making prevention a critical health priority. For those concerned about their health or the well-being of a loved one, knowing how often should an 80 year old get an RSV vaccine is essential for informed decision-making.

Quick Summary

For an 80-year-old, a single dose of the RSV vaccine is currently recommended, not an annual shot like the flu vaccine, as it offers protection lasting at least two years. Official health organizations continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness and will update guidance if additional doses are needed in the future.

Key Points

Single Dose Recommendation: For all adults 75 and older, including 80-year-olds, the CDC currently recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine.
Not an Annual Shot: Unlike the annual flu shot, the RSV vaccine is not given yearly based on current recommendations, as studies show protection lasts at least two years.
High-Risk Group: Individuals aged 80 are a high-risk group for severe RSV infection due to a naturally weakening immune system and potential chronic health conditions.
Best Time to Vaccinate: The optimal time to receive the vaccine is in the late summer or early fall, before the typical RSV season begins.
Protection Against Severe Illness: The vaccine is highly effective at preventing severe RSV-related illness, hospitalization, and death in older adults.
Multiple Vaccine Options: There are several FDA-licensed RSV vaccines available for older adults, and the CDC has no preference for any one brand.

The Single-Dose Recommendation for Older Adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines for RSV vaccination in adults. For all individuals aged 75 and older, including an 80-year-old, a single dose of an FDA-licensed RSV vaccine is routinely recommended. This simplifies the vaccination schedule significantly compared to the annual flu shot. It’s important to understand that if an eligible adult has already received a dose, they do not need another at this time. This guidance is based on the robust protection observed in clinical trials and real-world studies.

Duration of Protection and Future Guidance

Unlike an annual flu shot, RSV vaccines have been shown to provide effective protection for a duration of at least two years. The CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are actively monitoring data to understand how long this protection lasts. As more information becomes available, recommendations regarding the need for additional doses in the future will be updated. This data-driven approach ensures that the guidelines reflect the most current and effective strategies for public health.

The Increased Risk of RSV in Older Adults

For most healthy adults, RSV presents as a mild, cold-like illness. However, for older adults, the risk of severe complications, including hospitalization and death, is significantly higher. Several factors contribute to this heightened risk:

Immunosenescence: The natural decline of the immune system with age makes it harder for the body to fight off infections effectively.
Underlying Health Conditions: Many older adults have chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease, which increase the risk of severe illness from respiratory infections.
Frailty: Frailty can diminish an older adult's ability to recover from a serious respiratory infection.
High-Risk Settings: Living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility increases the risk of both contracting and spreading the virus.

Types of RSV Vaccines Available

Currently, three FDA-approved RSV vaccines are recommended for older adults. The CDC does not have a preferential recommendation for any specific vaccine, so an eligible adult can receive whichever is available. The options include:

Arexvy (GSK)
Abrysvo (Pfizer)
mResvia (Moderna)

All three vaccines have demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing severe RSV-related illness.

Timing and Side Effects of the RSV Vaccine

While an RSV vaccine can be received at any time of year, the optimal time is during late summer and early fall (typically August-October in the continental U.S.), before the RSV season begins. Like other vaccines, the RSV shot can have side effects, which are usually mild. Common side effects reported include:

Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Pain or swelling at the injection site
Muscle or joint pain

More serious but very rare side effects, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), have been reported in post-licensure surveillance. Both the FDA and CDC continue to monitor vaccine safety closely.

A Comparison of Annual vs. Single-Dose Vaccines

To help clarify the differences between the new RSV vaccine and other common shots, here is a comparison table:


Feature	RSV Vaccine	Flu Shot	COVID-19 Vaccine
Administration Frequency	Currently a single dose	Annual	Varies (primary series + boosters)
Primary Target Group	Older adults (typically 60+) and infants	All individuals 6 months and older	Varies based on age and risk factors
Optimal Timing	Late summer/early fall	Fall	Varies based on latest guidance
Coadministration	Yes, with other vaccines, but may increase side effects	Yes	Yes

The Importance of Making an Informed Decision

For an 80-year-old, the decision to get an RSV vaccine is a critical step toward safeguarding health. Given the single-dose recommendation and the proven effectiveness against severe illness, the vaccine provides a powerful tool for prevention. It's a proactive measure that can significantly reduce the risk of serious respiratory complications, allowing older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life.

While the current recommendation is for a single dose, staying informed about future updates from the CDC is wise. Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss individual risk factors and to determine the best timing for vaccination. For more information on the latest CDC guidelines, you can visit the CDC's RSV Vaccine Guidance page.

In conclusion, the current guidance simplifies the decision for older adults: one dose provides sustained protection against a serious threat. By following this recommendation, an 80-year-old can take a significant step in protecting their health during RSV season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, an 80-year-old only needs to get one dose of the RSV vaccine. It is not an annual shot like the flu vaccine. Official recommendations may be updated in the future as more data becomes available.

Yes, based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the RSV vaccine is administered as a single dose for eligible older adults, including those who are 80.

Clinical trial data suggests that a single dose of the RSV vaccine can provide effective protection for at least two RSV seasons. Health officials are continuing to monitor the duration of protection.

Yes, the RSV vaccine can be coadministered with other adult vaccines, such as the flu shot or COVID-19 booster, during the same visit. However, it's possible this may increase common side effects.

The best time to get vaccinated is in the late summer or early fall (typically August-October), just before the RSV season usually starts. You can get the vaccine at any time of year, however.

At age 80, a person's immune system may not be as strong, increasing their risk for severe complications from RSV, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. The vaccine is a proven way to reduce this risk.

Common side effects include fatigue, headache, and pain at the injection site. These are typically mild. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.