Methods for improving the drying yield and stability of RSV vaccines comprising a highly thermolabile enveloped live virus and/or one or more RSV protein subunits, are described. Methods for rapid drying of RSV formulations containing between 17.5% and 60% w/w of a non-polymeric sugar and using either conduction or radiation dominant drying mechanisms, are disclosed. The disclosed methods provide for; 1) a dried RSV formulation with improved stability profile; 2) faster drying; and 3) integration of dried RSV into a primary device (such as dual chamber cartridges, foil-pouch devices etc.), pre- as well as post-drying.