RSV Vaccine Singapore
Stay Protected if You Are at Risk
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV can become serious for older adults, people with long-term heart or lung conditions, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
RSV is less prevalent than influenza (flu), but a Singapore study found that 1 in 4 individuals aged 65 and above tested positive for RSV.
The RSV vaccine can help protect you from RSV, which may cause serious lung infections, especially in older adults and pregnant women.
RSV Symptoms
RSV symptoms often resemble those of a common cold and include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Fever
Serious Health Issues of RSV
Although RSV symptoms are often mild, severe cases can escalate into serious health issues:
| Group | Complications |
|---|---|
| Infants | May result in bronchiolitis, with symptoms such as rapid or laboured breathing, irritability, reduced appetite, and bluish skin (cyanosis) due to oxygen deprivation. It can also lead to acute bronchitis, particularly in younger children. |
| Older adults | Can worsen pre-existing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure, leading to complications such as bronchitis. Severe infections may impair respiratory function and progress to pneumonia or respiratory failure. |
RSV Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV. Management of RSV symptoms typically involves supportive care, including rest, hydration, medication for pain and fever. Severe cases may require hospitalisation, where intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation might be necessary.
RSV Prevention
Preventing the spread of RSV can include measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, disinfecting surfaces regularly, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Vaccination is the most effective prevention, significantly reducing the risk of infections and complications.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In Singapore, the RSV vaccine is recommended for:
- Adults aged 60 and above, especially those with underlying heart or lung conditions such as COPD or congestive heart failure. The vaccine helps protect against severe RSV-related complications.
- Adults aged 50 to 59 with conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease.
- Adults aged 18 to 49 with chronic medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
- Pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. The vaccine transfers immunity to their babies, offering protection against serious RSV infections during the early months of life.
Expanded Indications & Vaccine Choice
Below is a broader breakdown of who may qualify for Arexvy or Abrysvo, based on age and health conditions:
| Age Group | Dosage |
|---|---|
| ≥ 60 years | Arexvy or Abrysvo |
| 50 – 59 years with qualifying conditions* | Arexvy or Abrysvo |
| 18 – 49 years with qualifying conditions* | Abrysvo |
| Pregnant individuals | Abrysvo |
*List of Special Conditions for Both Vaccines
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes mellitus with end-organ damage, or on insulin or SGLT2 inhibitors
- Moderate or severe immunocompromise
- End-stage renal disease or on dialysis
- Chronic or progressive neurological or neuromuscular conditions
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic haematologic conditions
- Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40)
- Nursing home resident
How Is the RSV Vaccine Administered?
The RSV vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection.
RSV Vaccine Dose & Schedule
Currently, the recommended dosage for the RSV vaccine is as follows:
| Age Group | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women (32 to 36 weeks) | 1 dose |
| Adults aged 60 years and older | 1 dose |
| Adults aged 50 to 59 years (with conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease) | 1 dose |
| Adults aged 18 to 49 years (with qualifying chronic medical conditions) | 1 dose |
RSV Vaccine Cost in Singapore
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer the RSV vaccines Arexvy and Abrysvo, with prices as follows:
| Vaccination | Price* |
|---|---|
| Arexvy | $320 / dose |
| Abrysvo (for pregnant women) | $320 / dose |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
Why Choose Our Vaccination Services?
Same-Day Appointments
Book in the morning and have your vaccination the same day, at any of our clinics.
One-Stop Clinic
Get several vaccines in one visit, so you are not making a separate trip for each one.
Proof of Vaccination
Receive official documentation at no extra cost, for travel, school or work.
