Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) affects approximately 64 million individuals worldwide each year, resulting in around 160,000 deaths. While RSV typically causes mild symptoms resembling the common cold in healthy adults, it can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization and death, in vulnerable populations like newborn infants and older adults.
Health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are urging pregnant individuals to consider Pfizer’s maternal RSV vaccine during the third trimester to safeguard their infants during the initial six months of life.
Low Vaccination Rates Pose Concerns
A recent CDC health advisory underscores low vaccination rates against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The CDC warns that these low rates may exacerbate disease severity and strain healthcare capacity during peak respiratory virus seasons.
RSV: A Global Health Concern
RSV, an infection impacting the lungs and respiratory tract, affects about 64 million people annually, causing 160,000 deaths. In vulnerable populations, such as newborns and older adults, RSV can lead to severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, potentially resulting in hospitalization.
Maternal RSV Vaccine: A Preventive Measure
To mitigate these risks, health organizations recommend pregnant individuals receive Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine during the third trimester. This proactive measure aims to pass antibodies to the unborn baby, offering protection against severe illness from birth through the initial six months of life.
Expert Insights on RSV and Pregnancy
Dr. Laura E. Riley, Chief OB-GYN at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, emphasizes RSV’s danger for infants, stating that it is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States. Dr. Silvia M. Abularach, an OB-GYN in Maryland, underscores the vulnerability of infants in the first few weeks of life, making RSV vaccination during pregnancy crucial.
Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz, a board-certified OB-GYN, stresses the importance of the vaccine for protecting newborns, as adults generally experience mild symptoms. The recommended vaccine, Abrysvo, is the only FDA-approved RSV vaccine for pregnancy.
Timing and Safety of the RSV Vaccine
Health experts advise pregnant individuals to receive the RSV vaccine between 32–36 weeks of gestation to prevent RSV in infants. The vaccine’s safety is affirmed by Dr. Jourdan Triebwasser, emphasizing its preservative-free nature and recommending it as a powerful tool to reduce the risk for infants.
Side Effects and Alternatives
Reported side effects of the RSV vaccine include mild symptoms such as pain at the injection site, muscle ache, sore arms, headache, and nausea. Dr. Edward Liu, Chief of Infectious Diseases, assures the vaccine’s safety, highlighting its preservative-free composition.
For those hesitant about the vaccine, an alternative is nirsevimab, a manufactured antibody product available to infants up to 8 months old. Dr. Riley emphasizes its safety and efficacy in building immunity against RSV, serving as a viable option for those who cannot receive the maternal RSV vaccine.
In conclusion, the RSV vaccine, specifically Abrysvo, stands as a critical preventive measure for pregnant individuals to protect their infants from the potential severe consequences of RSV infection. Considering the potential risks and the vaccine’s safety, health professionals advocate for informed decision-making and timely vaccination during pregnancy.
