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# Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

Prefusion F protein vaccine. Given in late pregnancy, the mother's antibodies cross the placenta and protect the baby in its first months.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Viral vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/viral-vaccines/)
- Target: RSV fusion glycoprotein (F) in the prefusion conformation
- ATC code: J07BX05
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

Also called: Maternal RSV vaccine, RSVpreF, VSR (Spanish)

◆**RSV fusion glycoprotein (F) in the prefusion conformation**Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

ⓘ The figure shows RSV F stabilised in its prefusion shape by a human antibody; vaccines use stabilised prefusion F because it carries the most potent neutralising sites.

**Target in 3D:** RSV fusion glycoprotein (F) in the prefusion conformation. PDB structure 4JHW (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/4JHW) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

RSV F protein fuses the virus with airway cells. Its prefusion shape displays the sites most targeted by neutralising antibodies, so vaccines use F locked in that shape. In maternal vaccination, the mother's IgG crosses the placenta and protects the newborn during the months of highest risk; this protection wanes over time.

- Stabilised prefusion F protein is injected in late pregnancy
- The mother makes neutralising IgG against F
- IgG crosses the placenta to the fetus
- The newborn is protected against severe RSV in its first months

## Pharmacokinetics

**Distribution**
Maternal IgG crosses the placenta; the infant's protection wanes over the first months

## Indications

- Colombian PAI since November 2025: all pregnant women from week 28 to week 36 of gestation, to protect the infant (MinSalud)
- Prevention of severe RSV lower respiratory tract disease (bronchiolitis, pneumonia) in young infants

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Local reactions at the injection site

### Serious (rare, important)

- Anaphylaxis (rare)

## Contraindications

- Severe allergic reaction to a component

## Key interactions

**Nirsevimab (infant monoclonal antibody)**
Alternative ways to protect the infant: most babies do not need both

## What is monitored

- Gestational age at vaccination, recorded on the prenatal card
- Infant's maternal vaccination status, to decide on nirsevimab

## Administration and safety

- Intramuscular route
- Check gestational age: the vaccine is given only within the window set by the national programme
- Do not confuse the maternal RSV vaccine with infant monoclonal antibodies
- Record it on the prenatal card so the newborn's team knows

## Nursing care

- Confirm the weeks of gestation before vaccinating
- Record the vaccination for the baby's team
- Explain that protection passes to the baby and fades over the first months

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Designed to be given in pregnancy, within the gestational window set by the national programme, to protect the infant.

## Memory aid

"Pre-F for pre-birth": prefusion F in pregnancy; the mother's IgG crosses over and shields the newborn.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Why do RSV vaccines use the prefusion form of F?

Prefusion F carries the most potent neutralising antibody sites.

## How does maternal RSV vaccination protect the newborn?

The mother's IgG against F crosses the placenta and gives the infant passive protection in its first months.

## Does an infant whose mother received the RSV vaccine usually also need nirsevimab?

Most do not need both; nirsevimab is used when the mother was not vaccinated in time.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/respiratory-syncytial-virus-vaccine/)

## Related drugs

- [Influenza vaccine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/influenza-vaccine/)

[← Back to the class: Viral vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/viral-vaccines/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Lineamiento Técnico y Operativo de la Primera Jornada Nacional de Vacunación](https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/VS/PP/PAI/lineamientos-t%C3%A9cnicos-primera-jornada-nacional-vacunaci%C3%B3n-2026.pdf) (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (Colombia), 2026); [RSV Vaccine Guidance for Pregnant Women](https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/pregnant-people.html) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=J07BX&showdescription=no) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/respiratory-syncytial-virus-vaccine/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/respiratory-syncytial-virus-vaccine/