At Village Discount Drugs, our top priority is helping you and your family stay healthy year-round. One of the most important tools we now have for protection is the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine, which was recently approved to prevent serious illness in those most at risk.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While many people experience mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can become serious in certain groups—leading to hospitalizations and even life-threatening complications.
Those at highest risk include:
- Adults 60 years and older
- Infants and young children
- People with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease
- Those with weakened immune systems
Why the RSV Vaccine Matters
Until recently, RSV prevention was limited to good hygiene and supportive care. Now, with FDA-approved vaccines available, we can significantly reduce the risk of severe RSV infection and hospitalization.
For older adults, RSV can be as dangerous as the flu, especially during fall and winter months. Getting vaccinated helps protect not only yourself but also vulnerable loved ones.
CDC Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- Adults 60 and older: Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether RSV vaccination is right for you. The decision is made together based on your health status, risk factors, and personal preferences.
- Pregnant women (at 32–36 weeks gestation, during RSV season): Vaccination is recommended to help protect newborns from severe RSV during their first months of life.
- Infants and young children: A preventive monoclonal antibody (not a vaccine) is available for babies under 8 months entering their first RSV season, and for certain high-risk children up to 19 months old.
How Your Pharmacy Can Help
Our pharmacists are here to answer your questions about RSV and provide convenient vaccination services. Protecting yourself against RSV, along with flu and COVID-19, is one of the best steps you can take for a healthier fall and winter.
Don’t wait—ask us today about RSV vaccination for you or your loved ones.