RSV Vaccine in Malaysia

Most people have never heard of RSV, yet almost every child catches it by the age of two, and adults keep catching it throughout life. For most it’s just a cold. But for babies and older adults, especially those with heart or lung disease or diabetes, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia and a stay in hospital. Malaysia now has vaccines that protect both groups. This guide explains who the RSV vaccine is for, the options available in Malaysia, and what to expect.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus spreads through coughs, sneezes, close contact and contaminated hands and surfaces. It typically causes a runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever, and symptoms usually last one to two weeks. In serious cases it spreads to the small airways and lungs, causing:

• bronchiolitis, the most common reason babies are admitted to hospital with breathing problems
• pneumonia
• flare-ups of asthma, COPD and heart failure in adults

There’s no specific antiviral treatment for RSV. Care focuses on fluids, fever control and, in severe cases, oxygen in hospital. That’s why prevention matters.

Who should get an RSV vaccine?

Older adults

In Malaysia, the RSV vaccines for adults are approved from age 60. Following international guidance such as the US CDC’s, doctors especially recommend it for:

• everyone aged 75 and above
• adults aged 60 to 74 with a higher risk of severe RSV, for example people with: chronic heart or lung disease (including asthma and COPD), diabetes with complications, chronic kidney or liver disease, a weakened immune system, severe obesity, or living in a nursing home

The US CDC has also extended the recommendation to adults aged 50 to 59 at increased risk. In Malaysia, vaccination below 60 is outside the approved age range, so discuss it with your doctor.

Pregnant women: protecting the baby

Babies are most at risk of severe RSV in their first months, but they’re too young for most vaccines. When a pregnant woman has the Abrysvo vaccine, she makes antibodies that cross the placenta and protect the baby from birth for about the first six months of life. In Malaysia it’s approved between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor will advise the best timing, as it’s usually given later in that window.

Arexvy is not used in pregnancy.

RSV vaccines available in Malaysia

Vaccine	Maker	Approved for	Doses
Arexvy	GSK	Adults 60 and above (approved 2024)	1 injection
Abrysvo	Pfizer	Adults 60 and above; pregnant women at 24 to 36 weeks, to protect the baby (approved 2025)	1 injection (one per pregnancy)

In clinical trials, both vaccines greatly reduced RSV infections of the lower airways in older adults, with strong protection in people with chronic conditions. Protection lasts more than one season.

Do you need an RSV vaccine every year?

No. Unlike the flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine for older adults is currently given as a single dose. A second dose isn’t recommended for now, while experts study how long protection lasts. In pregnancy, the vaccine is given in each pregnancy where it’s recommended. Ask your doctor about later pregnancies.

Side effects and safety

Common side effects last a day or two:

• pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
• tiredness, headache and muscle or joint aches
• mild fever

Serious side effects are rare. In older adults, a small number of cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare nerve condition) have been reported after RSV vaccination. Regulators judge the benefits to outweigh this risk for the recommended groups. In pregnancy, one large trial found slightly more preterm births in the vaccinated group, although the difference wasn’t statistically significant. As a precaution, some countries, such as the US, give Abrysvo only at 32 to 36 weeks. Your doctor will explain the timing. Tell the doctor if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine before.

The RSV vaccine can be given at the same visit as other vaccines, such as the flu or pneumococcal vaccine. Your doctor may suggest spacing them if you’d rather not have all the side effects at once.

Other ways to protect against RSV

• Wash hands often, especially before holding a baby.
• Keep people with colds away from newborns, and avoid kissing babies on the face.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and toys.
• Don’t smoke around babies or older relatives.
• Stay home when you’re unwell, and wear a mask if you must be around vulnerable people.

Frequently asked questions

Is the RSV vaccine available in Malaysia?

Yes. Two RSV vaccines are approved in Malaysia: Arexvy (GSK) for adults aged 60 and above, approved in 2024, and Abrysvo (Pfizer) for adults aged 60 and above and for pregnant women to protect their babies, approved in 2025.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

Doctors especially recommend it for adults aged 75 and above, and adults aged 60 to 74 with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, a weakened immune system or other risk factors. Pregnant women can have Abrysvo to protect their newborn.

Do I need the RSV vaccine every year?

No. For older adults the RSV vaccine is currently given as a single dose, and a repeat dose is not recommended for now. It is different from the yearly flu vaccine.

When is the RSV vaccine given in pregnancy?

In Malaysia, Abrysvo is approved between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Antibodies pass to the baby and protect them for about the first six months of life. Your doctor will advise the best timing.

Is RSV a childhood vaccine?

Babies are protected mainly through a vaccine given to the mother during pregnancy, or in some countries an antibody injection for the baby. The adult RSV vaccines are not given to children.

What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine?

Usually a sore arm, tiredness, headache, muscle aches or a mild fever for a day or two. Serious side effects are rare.

Can I get the RSV and flu vaccines at the same time?

Yes. They can be given at the same visit, although your doctor may suggest spacing them if you’d prefer to spread out side effects.