The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant rise in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), following a decline during the pandemic. This resurgence has prompted health officials and medical professionals to emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination to protect vulnerable infants. The introduction of the RSV vaccine, which shields infants under two months from pertussis, has seen promising uptake among pregnant individuals. The vaccine has been shown to protect nine out of ten infants against hospitalization due to pertussis, offering a crucial layer of defense during early life stages.
In December 2024, reported RSV cases surged to six times the number recorded in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. The increase has primarily affected infants aged three months and younger, highlighting the critical need for preventive measures. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals in August 2023 and a monoclonal antibody to prevent RSV in babies and toddlers in July 2023. These developments have provided new tools in the fight against RSV and its severe implications for young children.
Vaccination as a Vital Tool
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommends that pregnant individuals receive vaccinations for flu, Tdap, COVID-19, and RSV. These vaccines collectively offer substantial protection against hospitalization and severe illness in infants. Maternal influenza vaccination is 91.5% effective in preventing infant hospitalization for flu within the first six months of life. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy reduces infant hospitalization risk by 52% for those under six months.
"Unfortunately, there is more vaccine hesitancy than there was in my practice five to eight years ago," – Cynthia Rand
Despite some lingering hesitancy towards vaccinations, the uptake of the RSV vaccine among pregnant people has been strong, especially considering its recent introduction. As of January 2025, 60.6% of infants born since April 1, 2024, were reportedly protected against RSV. The CDC's February 2025 tally showed that 37.5% of pregnant people had received a flu vaccination. A 2024 CDC survey indicated that 47.7% had a flu vaccine, 30.9% had an updated COVID vaccine, and 59.6% had a Tdap vaccine.
The Impact of Rising RSV Cases
The rise in RSV cases underscores the urgency for protective measures against respiratory illnesses in infants. Most cases and deaths have been reported among infants aged three months and younger, a demographic particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes. The newly approved monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), provides at least five months of protection against RSV, significantly reducing infections that require medical care or hospitalization among healthy full- and near-full-term infants by about 76%, according to a phase III clinical trial.
"Sometimes babies start with a viral infection, like influenza, and then get a bacterial infection on top of [that]," – Cynthia Rand
This statement highlights the complexity and danger of respiratory infections in young children, emphasizing the importance of preventive vaccinations.
Encouraging Vaccination Uptake
Healthcare providers continue to advocate for vaccination as a key strategy in safeguarding infant health. The recent rise in RSV cases serves as a reminder of the potential severity of respiratory illnesses in infants and the importance of maternal immunization. Carolyn Figurelle, a mother who supports vaccination efforts, has expressed her commitment to preventive measures:
“I basically say I would rather do everything I can to prevent that,” – Carolyn Figurelle
Her statement reflects a growing awareness among parents regarding the significance of vaccinations in protecting their children's health.
Despite challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy, healthcare professionals remain steadfast in their efforts to educate and encourage vaccination among pregnant individuals. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of rising RSV cases and ensuring the health and safety of newborns.
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