Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory disease. The virus is highly contagious and usually affects the lungs and airways. For most people, infections can feel like a common cold, but for some, the virus is potentially life-threatening.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is used to prevent lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in adults at least 60 years old.

Like any vaccine, the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Becoming infected with respiratory syncytial virus is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

You should not receive another dose of this vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Fainting may occur. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Usual Adult Dose for Respiratory Syncytial Virus:

Recommended dose: 0.5 mL intramuscularly as a single dose.

Use: For active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in individuals 60 years of age and older.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of this vaccine.

Tell your doctor or vaccination provider if you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Since this vaccine is given as a one time injection, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome--numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of respiratory syncytial virus vaccine may include:

• tiredness;

• headache;

• muscle pain; or

• pain where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.