respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) at a glance
Medicine class
Non-live, bivalent recombinant protein vaccine
Licensed roles
Prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in adults and infant protection through maternal immunisation
Administration
Upper-arm muscle injection by a trained healthcare professional after reconstitution
What is respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) used for?
UK-licensed indications include:
Maternal immunisation during pregnancy to protect infants from birth through 6 months against RSV lower respiratory tract disease.
Active immunisation to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 years and over.
Active immunisation to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 18 to 59 years who are at increased risk. NHS programme eligibility is narrower than the product licence and follows current official recommendations.
How does respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) work?
It contains stabilised prefusion F proteins from RSV subgroups A and B. These proteins cannot cause RSV; they stimulate neutralising antibodies that help block viral entry into cells. In pregnancy, maternal antibodies cross the placenta and provide temporary protection for the infant.
How to take respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant)
A trained healthcare professional reconstitutes the powder using only the supplied solvent and injects the prepared vaccine into the upper-arm muscle.
Food does not affect vaccination.
Tell the vaccinator about allergies, previous vaccine reactions, bleeding disorders, anticoagulants or immunosuppressive treatment.
Vaccination is normally postponed during an acute illness with fever; a minor cold alone does not usually require postponement.
respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Joint pain in adults
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse or a widespread allergic reaction
- Guillain–Barré syndrome, reported rarely in older adults, with progressive tingling, numbness, weakness or difficulty walking, swallowing or breathing
respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) in pregnancy
This vaccine has a specific UK licence for use during later pregnancy to protect the infant through placental transfer of antibodies. Timing should follow the maternity vaccination programme; speak to a midwife or prescriber if vaccination was missed, given early, or if there are pregnancy complications.
respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can continue after maternal vaccination. No adverse effects have been demonstrated in breastfed newborns of vaccinated mothers, and vaccine-induced antibodies may be present in breast milk.
respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) interactions
The main considerations are with other vaccines rather than conventional medicine interactions.
Pertussis-containing vaccines
Giving them together may reduce immune responses to some pertussis components. Programme guidance generally offers them at separate stages.
Seasonal influenza vaccines
Concomitant administration is permitted, although immune responses to RSV or some influenza components may be reduced in older adults.
Common questions about respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) cause RSV?
No. It is a non-live protein vaccine and does not contain infectious RSV.
How does respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (bivalent, recombinant) protect a baby?
It stimulates maternal antibodies that cross the placenta and temporarily protect the infant against RSV lower respiratory tract disease.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.