Administering RSV vaccine to pregnant women can benefit newborns at birth

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that is most prominent in the U.S. during the fall and winter months. It causes cold-like symptoms, which are typically mild, but the illness can become more severe and lead to hospitalization, especially in young children.

The 2022/23 RSV season was particularly bad, says Victor A. Khouzami, MD, Chair of Obstetrics at GBMC HealthCare. “Last year the RSV season was extremely severe, and we saw many more children than normal in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Emergency Department.”

In fact, during the 2022/23 season, children were hospitalized with RSV-related illness at a rate of 605.5 per 100,000, more than 10 times the rate of the general population. Infants younger than six months are at the greatest risk for severe illness from RSV.

This surge of RSV-related illness prompted the FDA to announce the approval of new immunizations and vaccinations for this year, and Dr. Khouzami is encouraging pregnant women between 32 weeks and 36 weeks to get the vaccine to protect their unborn babies.

“When the mother gets the vaccine during that time frame [and at least 14 days prior to giving birth], the antibodies are passed through the placenta to the baby. The goal is to provide passive protection against RSV during the first few months of life,” he says.

Beyond preemptive protection for the newborn, having the mother receive the RSV vaccine also increases immunization supply for other infants, Dr. Khouzami explains.

“The vaccine for pregnant women and immunization for infants are two completely different products,” he adds. “There is already a backlog of infants and babies who are having a hard time getting access to Nirsevimab, the immunization which contains lab-made antibodies that protect against RSV, because of demand. If more pregnant women get vaccinated this season, their babies will already be protected, which frees up more immunizations for infants who haven’t received it.”

Dr. Khouzami says opinions vary about the RSV vaccine, but many pregnant women elect to get the shot because of its impact on the health of their baby.

“There is a small percentage of women who have reservations about vaccines as a whole, but when they learn that the alternative is their newborn will have to get a shot during his or her first week of life, most of them choose to get the vaccine themselves.”

He explains that while both shots are equally protective and safe, it may be harder to get Nirsevimab to protect your baby after they’re born.

Most private health insurance policies and Medicaid will cover the RSV vaccine at no cost to the patient, but everyone is encouraged to contact their provider to confirm coverage.