RSV vaccination for adults
Information about the RSV vaccination
RSV is the abbreviation for respiratory syncytial virus. RSV is a pathogen found worldwide and causes respiratory tract infections in humans. Although anyone can become infected with the virus, infants, premature babies and older adults tend to suffer more severely. Unfortunately, there is currently no RSV vaccination available for children.
What is RSV?
RSV is an RNA virus. It is mainly submitted through coughing as a droplet infection. As the pathogen remains infectious in the environment for several hours, it can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces.
How can you protect yourself against RSV?
According to the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), an RSV vaccination is the best protection against severe illness for older adults aged 75 and over. The same applies to people aged 60 and over in care homes and people aged 60 and over with a serious underlying medical condition. The RSV vaccine should ideally be administered before the start of the RSV season, which usually runs from October to March. The STIKO currently recommends a single dose of the vaccine.
Who is the RSV vaccination suitable for?
The STIKO recommends vaccination for the following people:
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Chronic cardiovascular and kidney diseases
- Haematological and oncological conditions
- Diabetes mellitus (with complications)
- Chronic neurological or neuromuscular conditions
- Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency
The STIKO has not yet issued a recommendation regarding vaccination for pregnant women.
Which vaccines are available?
There are currently three vaccines against RSV available on the German market.
Arexvy® is a recombinant RSV vaccine with an adjuvant, authorised for use from the age of 18. The vaccine contains a genetically modified version of the RSV fusion protein, which acts as an antigen and triggers an immune response.
Abrysvo® is a recombinant RSV vaccine authorised for use from the age of 18 and for pregnant women to protect their infants.
mRESVIA® is an mRNA vaccine manufactured by Moderna. The product is authorised for active immunisation of people aged 18 and over.
What side effects may occur?
Headaches, muscle or joint pain, tiredness, and pain or redness at the injection site are very common following vaccination. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and subside within a few days of vaccination. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and swelling at the injection site are common following vaccination. Occasionally, pain, dizziness and feeling unwell may occur. Hypersensitivity reactions, swollen lymph nodes and itching at the injection site are also possible. In rare cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome, peripheral facial nerve paralysis and hives may occur. For further information about risks and side effects, please seek medical advice or consult your pharmacist.
What costs does SBK cover?
We cover the cost of the RSV vaccination for people aged 75 and over.
We also cover the costs for people aged 60 and over with severe forms of underlying conditions and for residents of care homes aged 60 and over.
Where can you get vaccinated?
You can receive an RSV vaccination at your GP practice via the SBK Healthcare Card. It’s best to check in advance whether the practice has the vaccine in stock.
Questions about the pathogen and the vaccination
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