Health and Me

Ishita Roy

RSV Vaccine Has Benefits, Reveals Study Amid CDC's Changed Guidelines On Childhood Vaccines

Respiratory syncytial virus, or <span>RSV</span>, is one of the most common reasons babies end up in hospitals every winter. For years, pediatric wards would fill up with infants struggling to breathe, many needing oxygen or intensive care. That picture has started to change since RSV prevention shots were approved in 2023. New research now shows just how big that change has been, even as the Trump administration moves to limit access to these shots.

There are two main ways babies are protected from RSV. One is vaccination during pregnancy, which passes antibodies to the baby before birth. The other is a shot given directly to newborns. This infant shot is not a traditional vaccine but a monoclonal antibody, a lab-made antibody that gives immediate protection for several months during peak RSV season.

Both approaches aim to prevent severe disease, not just mild cold-like symptoms. RSV often starts as a runny nose or cough but can worsen rapidly, especially in very young infants whose airways are small and easily inflamed.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cdc-vaccine-schedule-coverage-falls-from-17-to-11-diseases-for-children-article-153401712" data-type="tilCustomLink">CDC Vaccine Schedule: Coverage Falls From 17 to 11 Diseases For Children</a>

Several recent studies published in JAMA back up what doctors are seeing on the ground. One study found that RSV vaccination during pregnancy reduced infant hospitalizations by about 70 percent. The monoclonal antibody shot given to newborns performed even better, cutting RSV-related hospitalizations by roughly 81 percent.

Another study showed something unexpected but important. Babies who received the RSV shot were less likely to be hospitalized for other lower respiratory infections as well. Experts believe this happens because RSV can weaken the lungs and make babies more vulnerable to secondary infections.

Safety has also been closely studied. A follow-up analysis found no link between RSV vaccination in pregnancy and preterm birth, easing earlier concerns that were statistically insignificant even during clinical trials.

Before these shots were available, around 2 to 3 percent of US babies were hospitalized with RSV. It remains the single most common cause of hospitalization for children under five.

<h2>Why limiting RSV shots raises concerns</h2>

Despite this growing body of evidence, the Trump administration has announced new restrictions, recommending RSV shots only for high-risk babies rather than all infants. This shift was part of broader limits placed on childhood vaccines and was led by health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a longtime vaccine critic.

The problem is that most babies hospitalized with RSV are not considered high risk. Around 81 percent have no underlying health conditions. Restricting shots to a narrowly defined group means many vulnerable infants will be left unprotected.

Countries like the UK and Australia also target high-risk babies, but they rely on widespread vaccination during pregnancy and have universal healthcare systems. In the US, only about one-third of pregnant people receive the RSV shot, largely because of gaps in access to care.

<h2>Why timing and access are critical</h2>

RSV season is already underway, and experts fear that changing recommendations mid-season will create confusion. Hospitals and pediatric clinics may stop stocking the shots, assuming fewer babies are eligible. Parents may be unsure whether their child qualifies or where to get protected.

There are also concerns about insurance coverage. Many children rely on federal programs like Vaccines for Children. Even small policy shifts could make these shots harder to access for families who cannot pay out of pocket.

<h2>Why experts say all infants are at risk</h2>

Doctors emphasize that RSV does not discriminate. Any baby in the first few months of life can become seriously ill, regardless of birth history or health status. That is why universal recommendations were made in the first place.

As experts put it, being an infant alone is a risk factor. With strong evidence showing fewer hospitalizations and a solid safety record, many in the medical community worry that restricting RSV protection now could undo hard-won progress and put more babies back in hospital beds this winter.

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Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is one of the most common reasons babies end up in hospitals every winter. For years, pediatric wards would fill up with infants struggling to breathe, many needing oxygen or intensive care. That picture has started to change since RSV prevention shots were approved in 2023. New research now shows just how big that change has been, even as the Trump administration moves to limit access to these shots.How RSV vaccines protect babiesThere are two main ways babies are protected from RSV. One is vaccination during pregnancy, which passes antibodies to the baby before birth. The other is a shot given directly to newborns. This infant shot is not a traditional vaccine but a monoclonal antibody, a lab-made antibody that gives immediate protection for several months during peak RSV season.Both approaches aim to prevent severe disease, not just mild cold-like symptoms. RSV often starts as a runny nose or cough but can worsen rapidly, especially in very young infants whose airways are small and easily inflamed.Read: CDC Vaccine Schedule: Coverage Falls From 17 to 11 Diseases For ChildrenWhat the research showsSeveral recent studies published in JAMA back up what doctors are seeing on the ground. One study found that RSV vaccination during pregnancy reduced infant hospitalizations by about 70 percent. The monoclonal antibody shot given to newborns performed even better, cutting RSV-related hospitalizations by roughly 81 percent.Another study showed something unexpected but important. Babies who received the RSV shot were less likely to be hospitalized for other lower respiratory infections as well. Experts believe this happens because RSV can weaken the lungs and make babies more vulnerable to secondary infections.Safety has also been closely studied. A follow-up analysis found no link between RSV vaccination in pregnancy and preterm birth, easing earlier concerns that were statistically insignificant even during clinical trials.Before these shots were available, around 2 to 3 percent of US babies were hospitalized with RSV. It remains the single most common cause of hospitalization for children under five.Why limiting RSV shots raises concernsDespite this growing body of evidence, the Trump administration has announced new restrictions, recommending RSV shots only for high-risk babies rather than all infants. This shift was part of broader limits placed on childhood vaccines and was led by health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a longtime vaccine critic.The problem is that most babies hospitalized with RSV are not considered high risk. Around 81 percent have no underlying health conditions. Restricting shots to a narrowly defined group means many vulnerable infants will be left unprotected.Countries like the UK and Australia also target high-risk babies, but they rely on widespread vaccination during pregnancy and have universal healthcare systems. In the US, only about one-third of pregnant people receive the RSV shot, largely because of gaps in access to care.Why timing and access are criticalRSV season is already underway, and experts fear that changing recommendations mid-season will create confusion. Hospitals and pediatric clinics may stop stocking the shots, assuming fewer babies are eligible. Parents may be unsure whether their child qualifies or where to get protected.There are also concerns about insurance coverage. Many children rely on federal programs like Vaccines for Children. Even small policy shifts could make these shots harder to access for families who cannot pay out of pocket.Why experts say all infants are at riskDoctors emphasize that RSV does not discriminate. Any baby in the first few months of life can become seriously ill, regardless of birth history or health status. That is why universal recommendations were made in the first place.As experts put it, being an infant alone is a risk factor. With strong evidence showing fewer hospitalizations and a solid safety record, many in the medical community worry that restricting RSV protection now could undo hard-won progress and put more babies back in hospital beds this winter.