FDA approves RSV vaccine for expectant mothers

The Food and Drug Administration this week approved the first RSV vaccine to be given to pregnant patients. Doctors hope the new Pfizer vaccine will protect newborns from the virus after birth. By vaccinating a pregnant patient, a child will be born with some of these vaccines protecting against RSV at a time when they are extremely vulnerable. Studies have shown that the new vaccine protects infants from severe RSV by 82% in the first three months and almost 70% in the first six months of life. The respiratory virus is widespread, sending thousands of infants and older adults to the hospital every year. “This is just wonderful news because babies can’t make their own antibodies when they are born,” said Dr. Kristi M Horlander Norton Healthcare. “It’s taking a bit of time, so giving them passive immunity to something so significant is really exciting.” The new vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. Another option for infants and children up to two years old is monoclonal antibody injection, which was approved earlier this month.