Protecting Babies Against RSV

As parents we want to do everything possible to protect our children. One form of protection from disease can start before they are even born.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus – commonly called RSV - is highly contagious and can lead to hospitalization, life-threatening pneumonia, and even death for babies and older adults. Rachel Dong, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, shares more about this virus and how infants can be protected early.

Q: What is RSV?

A: RSV is the most common cause of hospitalizations for infants in the United States. Most infants are affected in their first year of life and just about every child will have had it by the time they are 2 years old. RSV kills between a 100 to 300 children under the age of 5 each year in the United States. Most of those children, about 79% of those less than 2 years old who get RSV, had no underlying medical conditions.

While Kaiser Permanente pediatric specialists are equipped to expertly treat and care for any of our young patients who have RSV, there is a highly effective tool to help to prevent serious illness in babies. Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, for use during pregnancy. It is a single-dose vaccine that Kaiser Permanente is offering to eligible pregnant patients and members, who are between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during prenatal appointments.

Q: How does the vaccine work?

A: The vaccine is designed to protect the baby by passing antibodies from pregnant people to fetuses. This protects newborn babies from the virus, particularly during the first five to six months after birth. Clinical studies show that Abrysvo significantly reduces the risk of severe lung disease in babies due to RSV!

Q: What are the benefits of vaccination while in the womb?

A: Vaccinating during pregnancy means the baby will not have to get another shot after birth. Also, infants are protected right at birth when they are most vulnerable to illness. This is especially important for those who are immunocompromised at birth. If there is a mutated version of RSV circulating in the community, the vaccine may offer better protection overall to baby.

Q: Can the RSV vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?

A: The RSV vaccine can be given to pregnant patients along with other vaccines, such as flu, Tdap, and the COVID-19 vaccine. All of these vaccines are important during pregnancy. The flu and COVID vaccine protect against severe illness and protect babies for the first several months after birth.

Q: What if pregnant patients do not get the RSV vaccine before they deliver?

A: Babies can still get protection after they are born. Babies can receive a shot that provide antibodies against RSV if they are younger than 8 months and born during RSV season. This shot is not a vaccine. It is an injection of antibodies that provides protection against RSV for about 5 months, which is the length of a typical RSV season. Kaiser Permanente will be offering this injection in its outpatient clinics at the beginning of October.

Q: What would you say to patients who may be hesitant about vaccinating themselves or their babies?

A: Vaccine fatigue is real, and it is understandable that people feel overwhelmed. I encourage patients to ask questions so that physicians can provide evidence-based information. It’s important for people to know that vaccines are an important strategy to prevent serious illness, especially in babies and children. Vaccines teach your immune system how to fight specific viruses. They imitate the virus so your immune system can learn to protect itself. Once your body knows how to protect itself, it can fight off the real virus faster and more effectively. This means you will be much less likely to get sick from that virus. And if you do get sick, your symptoms will be much milder than if you hadn’t been vaccinated. Vaccines not only protect yourself, but the broader community at large.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: I consider it a privilege to provide care to patients during an exciting time when they are bringing new life into the world. I’m passionate about keeping my patients safe and healthy, and vaccination is another preventive tool we have to fight serious – and sometimes – deadly illnesses. I encourage all my patients to vaccinate themselves, and their children, to help protect the health of everyone around them.

For more information about RSV visit: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/health-wellness/rsv