RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults: What Seniors Should Know

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults: What Seniors Should Know

Located 20 miles south of Kalamazoo, at the confluence of the St. Joseph, Rocky, and Portage Rivers, is the beautiful City of Three Rivers, MI. Although small, its excellent location gives it access to big-town amenities in a scenic environment that offers retirees many wellness opportunities, including swimming, fishing, and outdoor relaxation. No wonder seniors account for nearly 15% of its population, according to Neilsberg.

For seniors to enjoy everything the city offers, though, they need to be healthy. Adhering to RSV vaccine recommendations for adults can help them achieve this goal. Inoculation lowers their risk of getting ill from the virus, allowing them to spend their time on meaningful activities and exploring Three Rivers instead.

The team at LakeHouse Three Rivers, our beautiful, welcoming assisted living community, has shared insights into senior RSV protection in this older adult immunization guide, so please read on. 

What Is RSV?

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common and leading cause of lung and respiratory tract infections in the U.S.

Preliminary estimates from the U.S. CDC show that from October 1, 2024, to May 03, 2025, RSV caused 3.6 million to 6.5 million outpatient visits and 190,000 to 350,000 hospitalizations. Even more concerning is that it claimed an estimated 10,000 to 23,000 lives.

RSV doesn't always cause severe illnesses or death, especially not in younger people or adults who are in generally good health. Unfortunately, the decline in immune and respiratory health of aging adults makes them more prone to this viral infection. Their impaired immune system can also increase their likelihood of experiencing severe complications. 

What Are the RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Adults?

In its most recent guidance (published in July 2025), the U.S. CDC recommends that all adults 75+ receive RSV vaccination. The same goes for adults between 50 and 74 who have an increased risk of severe RSV disease. Some of these risk factors are:

  • Chronic cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure and coronary or congenital heart disease
  • Chronic respiratory illness, such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis
  • Severe obesity

High-risk adults with diabetes complicated by other problems like chronic kidney disease or diabetic retinopathy should also consider RSV vaccination. The virus can worsen their existing health conditions and increase their likelihood of developing other complications. 

Seniors who haven't had an RSV vaccination can get one of the available FDA-approved RSV vaccines in the country. They include: 

  • Arexvy (from GlaxoSmithKline or GSK)
  • mRESVIA (from Moderna)
  • Abrysvo (from Pfizer)

The latest U.S. CDC RSV vaccine guidance also recommends eligible adults get inoculated anytime from August to October. Administration at this time can help prepare and strengthen the body for the RSV season, which starts in the fall and peaks in winter in most parts of the country, including Michigan. 

How Can RSV Vaccines for Seniors in MI Help?

RSV vaccines are critical to preventive senior care and overall wellness and health because they can:

  • Help the body fight off the virus
  • Make the inoculated person less likely to become infected
  • Minimize the number of people getting infected and possibly spreading the virus to others

Following RSV vaccine recommendations for adults can also reduce the severity of symptoms if an infection develops. It also helps lower the likelihood and severity of complications, including the following. 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. It makes the tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs in the lungs, called "alveoli," fill with fluids or pus.

The problem is that essential gas exchange processes occur within the alveoli. It's in these air sacs that oxygen can diffuse or "get into" the bloodstream. Conversely, carbon dioxide moves from the bloodstream into the alveoli, from where a person can then expel it through exhalation.

When an older adult has pneumonia, they'll have difficulty breathing. The disruption in the gas exchange can also damage their cells (e.g., by not receiving enough oxygen).

Pneumonia is especially dangerous to seniors with weakened or compromised immune systems. If not treated promptly, it can be deadly. The American Lung Association says it claims the lives of about 40,000 people each year, many of whom are adults 65 or older. 

Bronchiolitis

RSV can also cause bronchiolitis in seniors, an infection and inflammation of the bronchioles.

The bronchioles are the lungs' tiniest airways. When an older adult gets bronchiolitis, these airways become inflamed and clogged with mucus.

The swelling and mucus build-up caused by bronchiolitis make it difficult to breathe. The clog in the airways also provides other germs with an ideal environment where they can multiply, giving rise to other infectious diseases. 

Is There Anything Else Seniors Can Do to Lower Their RSV Risk?

While following RSV vaccine recommendations for adults is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection, several other strategies can help seniors further lower their risk, including adopting healthier lifestyle habits.

Maintaining good personal and home hygiene is one. Older adults should frequently and thoroughly wash their hands (for at least 20 seconds each time) and take regular showers, which can help eliminate germs. Regular home cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, particularly high-touch ones (e.g., doorknobs and light switches), can also help.

Engaging in regular exercise or physical activity also benefits seniors by boosting their immune system and overall health. The better their immune system can perform, the stronger the protection it can provide against disease-causing microorganisms, including RSV.

Another strategy is focusing on a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It provides healthy, nourishing, yet filling options that help promote a stronger immune system. 

Vaccination Can Keep RSV Infections at Bay

Following RSV vaccine recommendations for adults helps seniors avoid the unpleasant, even dangerous illnesses and complications the virus can cause. By staying free of RSV disease, older adults in Three Rivers, MI, can use more of their time doing stuff they love and exploring the city and its beautiful nature spots.

At LakeHouse Three Rivers, we support and encourage immunization for our residents while providing them with a safe, healthy living environment. Here, seniors have access to our compassionate staff for personal care assistance (such as showering), a robust calendar of physical wellness activities, nourishing chef-prepared meals, and housekeeping.

Book a tour of our assisted living community in Three Rivers, MI, to learn more about how we can help you age gracefully!

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