Swerd Media – In a groundbreaking development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a recommendation regarding the administration of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant individuals. The CDC’s advisory committee, in a landslide vote of 11 to 1, endorsed the usage of the RSV vaccine between the 32nd and 36th weeks of gestation to protect newborns from this potentially serious infection.
Manufactured by Pfizer, the single-dose RSV vaccine, named Abrysvo, triggers the production of antibodies in pregnant individuals. These antibodies are then passed on to the newborn through the placenta, providing protection against RSV for approximately six months, significantly reducing the risk of severe disease by 91% within the first three months after birth.
RSV, commonly causing mild symptoms in adults, poses a greater threat to children under the age of five. It leads to a significant number of hospitalizations and even deaths among this age group in the United States. Last year witnessed a surge in severe RSV infections among children, overwhelming children’s hospitals across the nation.
The CDC recommends that the RSV vaccine be administered to pregnant individuals between September and January, as RSV rates tend to be highest during this period. It is worth noting that another form of protection against RSV, an injectable drug called Beyfortus, was also approved this summer. It is recommended for babies up to eight months old during their first RSV season and for infants aged eight to 19 months who are considered at high risk of severe disease during their second season.
The CDC advisory committee has stated that either the Abrysvo vaccine or the Beyfortus injection can be used to protect infants from RSV, with most babies not requiring both. The vaccine offers immediate protection to newborns and eliminates the need for a separate shot. On the other hand, the antibody injection provides a slower waning of protection.
Pfizer’s clinical trials revealed that the most common side effects of the Abrysvo vaccine among pregnant women were fatigue, headache, injection site pain, muscle pain, nausea, joint pain, and diarrhea. However, the rate of preterm births among women who received the vaccine was only slightly higher, and the difference was not statistically significant.
In terms of pricing, the Abrysvo vaccine is expected to cost $295, but the final cost may vary depending on insurance plans. Eligible children will have access to the vaccine through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program.
In addition to the RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals, there are two new RSV vaccines available for adults aged 60 and older at pharmacies. Notably, one of these adult vaccines follows the same formulation as the one used during pregnancy.
With the CDC’s endorsement, the RSV vaccine stands as a vital tool in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable population from the devastating effects of this prevalent respiratory virus. As we navigate the upcoming RSV season, the availability and usage of these vaccines are poised to make a remarkable impact in reducing severe disease and safeguarding the health of our children.
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