CDC Recommends First Vaccine to Protect Infants from RSV

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The CDC has endorsed the first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant people to protect their newborn from severe RSV illness. Developed by Pfizer, Abrysvo has been shown to reduce the risk of RSV hospitalization for babies by 57% in the first six months after birth. According to a company press release, the CDC recommends seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, citing better ability to protect babies after birth.

“This is another new tool we can use this fall and winter to help protect lives,” said CDC director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH. “I encourage parents to talk to their doctors about how to protect their little ones against serious RSV illness, using either a vaccine given during pregnancy, or an RSV immunization given to your baby after birth.”

Reference: CDC recommends new vaccine to help protect babies against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness after birth. CDC. September 22, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0922-RSV-maternal-vaccine.html