The RSV vaccine is used to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in individuals 60 years of age and older. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be serious for infants and older adults. The FDA has approved two RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older, and the CDC recommends that adults age 65 and older get an RSV vaccine. Pregnant people can also receive a single dose of maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, administered immediately before or during RSV season. The RSV vaccine can prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV, which can be life-threatening. The vaccine works by introducing an inactivated RSV protein into the body, where it fuses to host cells and stimulates the immune system to recognize the actual RSV virus.