RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women

 What is RSV?
RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common virus that affects the respiratory system. It is particularly prevalent in infants under one year old and can lead to serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In severe cases, RSV infection may require hospitalization, especially in newborns and young babies with underdeveloped immune systems.
 

What Is the RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women?

The RSV vaccine for pregnant women is designed to help the mother’s immune system produce antibodies that are passed through the placenta to the baby during pregnancy. This transfer provides passive immunity to the infant during the first few months of life — a critical window when babies are most vulnerable and too young to receive the RSV vaccine themselves.
 

Key Benefits of Getting the RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy:

• Reduces the risk of RSV infection in infants
• Lowers the chances of hospitalization due to RSV-related complications
• Provides passive immunity to protect the baby during the first 6 months of life, when their immune system is still developing

 

When Should the Vaccine Be Received?

The RSV vaccine is recommended between weeks 24 and 36 of the pregnancy. This timing allows the mother’s body to build a strong immune response and transfer the maximum amount of antibodies to the baby before birth.
 

Is the Vaccine Safe?

Yes. Clinical studies confirm that the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is safe , with no increased risk of preterm birth or adverse effects for both mother and baby.
Side effects;

• redness or tenderness where the vaccine was given
• irritation or swelling where the vaccine was given
• muscle pain/  headache

 

Why It Matters

The RSV vaccine offers early protection for your baby — even before birth. For mothers-to-be, it’s a powerful step in safeguarding your newborn from a potentially serious virus. If you’re expecting, we encourage you to speak with your obstetrician about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.
 

Reference:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• CDC. (2023). RSV Vaccination for Pregnant People. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• FDA. (2023). FDA Approves First Vaccine for Pregnant Individuals to Prevent RSV in Infants. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements
3. World Health Organization (WHO)
• WHO. (2023). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – Key Facts. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/respiratory-syncytial-virus
4. The New England Journal of Medicine
• Kampmann, B., et al. (2023). RSV Vaccine during Pregnancy and Protection of Infants. N Engl J Med 389, 1726–1737. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2301434