RSV vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
RSV vaccination: The RSV vaccination protects against the RS virus, which often triggers respiratory infections and can be fatal in the worst case.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus that affects the respiratory tract. It can cause serious infections, particularly in newborns.
Respiratory syncytial virus
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a Widespread respiratory diseasewhich, according to estimates, annually several thousand children fall ill - usually within the first two years of life.
The Transmission takes place through droplet infectione.g. when sneezing, coughing or speaking. However, contaminated objects or hands can also transmit the virus if they come into contact with the mucous membranes in the nose or mouth.
RSV often leads to Diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract and is the Most common reason for hospitalization of infants during the winter months.
When is RSV season?
The RSV season is usually between November and Aprilin the fall and winter months. It is particularly important to protect infants and young children at this time. This is when the risk of severe RSV infections is highest.
The passive immunization against the virus is included in the free vaccination program of the federal government, the federal states and social insurance.
Symptoms of RS virus disease at a glance
A disease can have different courses: whether without any symptoms, with mild or severe symptoms - including Cough, fever and problems with the respiratory tract. The symptoms are similar to those of a cold, but can be serious or even fatal.
The main symptoms are
Cough
Fever
Middle ear infections
Pneumonia
Severe respiratory problems and shortness of breath
Bronchiolitis
The danger is that diseases can even Completely without symptoms or with only mild symptoms and infection can therefore go unnoticed. Especially as the virus can be contagious for up to several weeks. However, it is usually only three to eight days.
In the worst case, transmission of the pathogen can lead to serious complications and hospitalization lead to. RSV is the main cause of acute bronchiolitis in infants. However, the infection usually subsides on its own.
Risk groups: infants, young children and people aged 60 and over
The groups of people for whom infection is particularly dangerous include infants and small children as well as older people. For them, the National vaccination committee a vaccination against RSV - from the age of 60 as an active immunization.
Also People with an increased risk of illness before the age of 60 should be vaccinated, including
People with serious organ diseases
Oncology patients
People with immunodeficiencies and other serious underlying diseases
People who are very overweight
People with HIV infection or other immunosuppressive diseases
Residents in retirement and nursing homes
Vaccination during pregnancy
To give newborns a passive protection vaccination during pregnancy is also permitted. The expectant mother develops protective antibodies against RSV, which are transferred to the child.
The vaccination is given once Four to eight weeks before the expected date of birth and is also known as "nest protection".
Advantages of vaccination against RSV
Vaccination against RSV offers an important Protection against serious infectionsespecially for children, who are at high risk of complications such as bronchiolitis or hospitalization. But adults also benefit, as the vaccination reduces the risk of a severe course of the disease.
As many people are infected with the virus without showing symptoms, it can easily go unnoticed. Vaccination reduces infections and thus contributes to the Protection of the entire population with.
Vaccination procedure against RSV
As a rule, passive immunization is used. It should up to the age of one ideally during the first RSV season. A follow-up or booster vaccination is not necessary.
With the passive immunization In the case of a vaccine, ready-made antibodies are administered that bind to specific sites on the virus and thus prevent it from penetrating human cells and infecting them. In contrast, a active immunization the antibodies are first formed by the immune system.
Vaccination is required between October and March for newborns in the first week of life directly in the hospital possible. For babies born between April and September, immunization before their first RSV season is recommended from October and can be carried out by a registered paediatrician.
High-risk children up to the age of 24 months will also receive the vaccination free of charge in the second RSV season from October.
Vaccination schedule for infants:
Birth between 1 October and 31 March: Immunization within the first week of life, i.e. before discharge from hospital.
Birth between 1 April and 30 September: Immunization from October, i.e. in the first RSV season.
Dosage for infants:
<5kg body weight: 50mg i.m.
>5kg body weight: 100mg i.m.
2nd season: 200mg i.m.
Which RSV vaccines are available?
Various options are available for protection against RSV - depending on the target group and age:
| Target group | Type of immunization | Preparation | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants | Passive immunization (administration of antibodies) | Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) | Ready-made antibodies are administered directly (injection into the thigh). Works immediately and lasts for several months. |
| Pregnant women | Active immunization (vaccination) | Abrysvo (Pfizer) | Possible in the 24-36th week of pregnancy. The mother produces antibodies that are passed on to the child ("nest protection"). |
| Adults aged 60 and over | Active immunization (vaccination) | Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer) | Protection against severe RSV infections at an older age. Recommended especially for risk groups. |
Side effects of the vaccination
Mild side effects may occur after the RSV vaccination, but these usually subside quickly. People who have been vaccinated most frequently report Pain or redness at the injection sitethat occur in the first one to two days.
Pregnant women can also Headaches or muscle pain which usually disappear after two to three days. These reactions are normal and show that the immune system is reacting to the vaccine.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is RSV as a vaccination?
The RSV vaccination protects against the respiratory syncytial viruswhich can cause severe respiratory diseases, especially in babies and older adults.
The vaccine strengthens the immune systemso that infections with RSV are prevented or significantly attenuated. It can thus prevent complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
How much does an RSV vaccination cost in Austria?
The costs depend on the vaccine and the target group. For certain groups of people such as babies and senior citizens, immunization in the included in the free public vaccination program. In many cases, adults have to pay for the vaccination themselves; the price is around around 275 Euro. It is best to ask the doctor directly in advance.
Is an RSV vaccination useful?
Yes, the vaccination makes sensebecause RSV is very contagious and can cause severe disease progression, especially in young children and the elderly.
You effectively protects against secondary diseases such as bronchiolitis and reduces the need for hospitalization. This also reduces the spread of the virus in the population.
Who should be vaccinated against RSV?
Vaccination is particularly recommended for Infantsas they have a high risk of serious respiratory diseases. Also older people and people with a weakened immune system benefit greatly from the protection. Pregnant women are also offered the vaccination to protect their newborn baby in the first few months of life.
When should I have my baby vaccinated against RSV?
Babies should be born as early as possible in the RSV season, i.e. in the Fall or winterbe protected. Depending on the vaccine, vaccination is recommended from the age of a few weeks.
Vaccination of the Mother during pregnancy can protect the child at birth. It is best to discuss the exact time with your pediatrician.