RSV VACCINE RISKS

@redmb Welcome to Mayo Connect! So far I've received the flu shot but not yet covid or RSV. I have not researched the possible side effects of the RSV vaccine. Would it be possible to share where you read these warnings?

Warnings of RSV side affects are on google. Side affects are rare but mentioned several times in Google. See below:

Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mRESVIA are three respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines available for older adults. Abrysvo is also approved for pregnant women to help protect their babies after birth.

Common RSV vaccine side effects include injection-site reactions, fatigue, and headache. They are typically mild and can be managed at home until they resolve, usually within a few days.

Reports of serious side effects after vaccination are rare. Examples include Guillain-Barré syndrome and an abnormal heart rhythm. But it’s not clear if they were caused by the vaccine.

I got the RSV partly because a few years ago, my sister-in-law was unlucky enough to get flu and RSV at the same time just after holidays and ended up in critical care on a ventilator for a few days. We were shocked.

I know that's just one case and not objective. I found this study that provides better info.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833776

Hi, I had the RSV last October. The only problem I had was I did have reaction to it on my arm. It was large swollen red bumps that was several inches long. It was pretty sore for a few days.

It is one of the rare side effects but Guillain-Barre Syndrome is also listed as a side effect with the flu vaccine also. There are risks to everything.

I’ve had all three vaccines and will again. RSV can cause lower respiratory problems which would not be ideal for those of us with compromised lungs. My reaction is a bit of soreness at the injection site. Wait two weeks between vaccinations of Covid / flu and the RSV.
A number of years ago the shingles vaccine gave me a bit of redness and fatigue for a day which is nothing compared to getting shingles!

We all need to receive the RSV, flu and COVID-19 shots before winter sets in. Many of the vaccines we receive list Guillain-Barre as a rare side effect and many other side effects too and a majority never experience them. I doubt you'd want to be sick with RSV or the other viruses without the shots. I am so glad we are fortunate enough to have them available!

I have bronchiectasis and other auto immune diseases and am 71 years old and take meds that suppress my immunity. I got whatever RSV shot was offered by my Pharmacy and I was fine. Check with your doctor, but RSV is probably a greater risk than anything you are likely to get after having the RSV vaccine. I had a nasty reaction to the latest Covid vaccine, but it only lasted two days. It was preferable to getting Covid.

My husband and I both got the RSV shots last Fall after 1) Dr McShane recommending it and 2) a 74 year old friend contracted it after caring for her young great grandchildren. The RSV progressed to pneumonia in both lungs. She was hospitalized and placed on an oxygen rebreather.

I plan to get the RSV shot. I already got both the Covid and flu shot this year also. Idk if I have had RSV in the past, but so far in 2025 I have had 2 “colds” that gave me bronchitis, low O2 SATS and months of annoying frequent coughing. I see articles and news on how RSV can put people in the hospital and is a horrible respiratory infection. I have spoken with nurses that have seen it in their practice. I don’t want it. I’m getting the shot. A simple cold is bad enough for me to be sick. I don’t need to play with something worse.