The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a groundbreaking recommendation for the administration of the first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant individuals, aiming to safeguard newborns from severe RSV illness. RSV is the primary cause of hospitalizations among infants in the United States. This new vaccine, known as Pfizer’s bivalent RSVpreF vaccine under the trade name Abrysvo™, has demonstrated a 57 percent reduction in the risk of RSV-related hospitalization for infants during the first six months after birth.
To enhance infant protection following birth, the CDC advises the seasonal administration of a single dose of the RSV vaccine to pregnant individuals between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy.
This vaccine represents one of two new tools available this season to shield infants from severe RSV illness. In the previous month, the CDC suggested a new RSV immunization for infants, which has been shown to decrease the risk of both RSV-related hospitalizations and healthcare visits in infants by approximately 80 percent. In most cases, infants will likely only require protection from either the maternal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, not both. However, exceptions may apply, such as if a baby is born less than two weeks after maternal immunization, in which case the infant immunization may also be recommended by a doctor.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC Director, emphasized the importance of these new tools for safeguarding lives during the upcoming fall and winter season. She encouraged parents to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers to determine the most suitable method for protecting their infants from severe RSV illness, whether through vaccination during pregnancy or infant immunization.
The RSVpreF vaccine is currently available in select locations across the U.S., with expectations of increased availability in the coming weeks.
This fall and winter will mark the first virus season where vaccines are accessible for the three major respiratory viruses: COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. The CDC advises updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines for all individuals aged 6 months and older. Additionally, RSV vaccination is now recommended for adults aged 60 and over, with a shared clinical decision-making approach. This means that these individuals should consult with their healthcare providers to determine whether RSV vaccination is appropriate for them at this time.
For specific vaccine recommendations and availability, individuals are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers, pharmacists, or local community health centers to ensure comprehensive protection during the upcoming fall and winter season.
Final Vote Summary
On September 22, 2023, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted overwhelmingly, with 11 in favor and 1 against, to recommend maternal RSV vaccination for pregnant individuals during weeks 32 through 36 of gestation, utilizing seasonal administration, as a preventive measure against RSV lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Additionally, the committee approved the inclusion of Pfizer’s bivalent RSVpreF vaccine in the Vaccines for Children Program, specifically targeting pregnant individuals under 19 years of age.
