Communications

(Sept. 29, 2023) – On Sept. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the first respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for pregnant persons to protect their newborns from severe RSV. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the U.S. In clinical trials, Pfizer's bivalent RSVpreF vaccine (Abrysvo), was shown to reduce the risk of RSV hospitalization for babies by 57 percent in the first six months after birth. To maximize protection for babies after birth, the CDC recommends seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.

Last month, the CDC recommended a new RSV immunization for infants, shown to reduce the risk of both RSV-related hospitalizations and health care visits in infants by nearly 80 percent. Most infants will likely only need protection from either the maternal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, but not both. However, for example, if a baby is born less than two weeks after maternal immunization, then a doctor may recommend the baby also receive the infant immunization. Only Abrysvo is approved for use in pregnant persons. GSK's RSV vaccine, Arexvy, is not approved for use in pregnant persons.

Both Abrysvo and Arexvy are approved for use to prevent RSV in adults aged 60 years and older with shared clinical decision-making. For more detailed information on Abrysvo's approval for use in pregnant persons, see the FDA approval announcement and the Abrysvo prescribing information.

The CDC is updating its Recommendations for RSV Immunizations to provide additional details. The Pediatric Pandemic Network compiled resources for the use of nirsevimab, including FAQs for health care professionals and a comprehensive resource guide.

Additionally, as we enter respiratory virus season, updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are recommended for everyone ages six months and older. Adults ages 60 and older are recommended to also get an RSV vaccine.
--Karen Braman