Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is more than just a common respiratory infection. For certain populations — infants, expecting moms, the elderly and others with compromised immune systems — RSV can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization or even death.
Fortunately, recent advancements in RSV vaccination offer a powerful line of defense, particularly for pregnant mothers and those at high risk.
Adaora Uzodi, MD, pediatric infectious diseases specialist with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares what you need to know about the RSV vaccine for your family.
Timing Is Everything for Pregnant Moms
One of the most important strategies for protecting newborns from RSV starts during pregnancy.
“A single dose of Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is recommended for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation,” Dr. Uzodi says. This timing ensures that the mother has enough time to develop protective antibodies that can be passed to the baby, helping to safeguard newborns during their first critical months of life.
How Effective Are RSV Vaccines?
The good news is that RSV vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness.
Dr. Uzodi highlights two key studies:
- A recent CDC study showed that Beyfortus (nirsevimab) was 90% effective in protecting infants from hospitalization for RSV.
- Additionally, when mothers were given the Abrysvo vaccine during pregnancy, the risk of severe RSV in infants was reduced by 82% within the first three months of life.
These numbers are encouraging for expectant parents seeking ways to protect their babies.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to RSV?
While infants are at high risk for severe RSV, other vulnerable populations include older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
“For children, the most at-risk groups include infants younger than 6 months, those born before 35 weeks’ gestation, or those with chronic lung or heart disease,” Dr. Uzodi says. Certain groups, such as children with trisomy 21 or compromised immune systems, also face heightened risks.
For adults, the elderly population — especially those 75 years or older — are at increased risk. Older people with chronic conditions may be at higher risk for severe RSV because of impaired airway clearance or weakened immune systems.
Vaccination Recommendations for Older Adults
The importance of RSV vaccination extends beyond infants and pregnant women.
“RSV vaccines are recommended for all adults aged 75 and older, as well as those aged 60 and older with specific health conditions,” Dr. Uzodi says. These conditions include chronic heart and lung diseases, diabetes and weakened immune systems, among others.
Congregate living settings, such as nursing homes, also present increased risks for the elderly, making vaccination a key preventive measure.
The Potential Complications of RSV
RSV is not just a common cold — its impact can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable groups.
“Severe RSV can result in pneumonia, respiratory failure or heart failure,” Dr. Uzodi says. “In some cases, the infection requires mechanical ventilation and ICU care.”
Tragically, each year, about 100 to 300 children under the age of 5 die from RSV. Long-term complications can also arise, with some infants developing recurrent wheezing or asthma later in life due to severe RSV infections.
For elderly people and those with compromised immune systems, RSV can cause pneumonia or exacerbate existing conditions, leading to a higher risk of hospitalization or even death.
Whether you’re an expectant mother, caring for a newborn or supporting elderly loved ones, the message is clear: RSV vaccination saves lives.
By getting vaccinated during pregnancy or ensuring that infants and older adults receive timely vaccinations, you can help protect the most vulnerable from the serious complications RSV can cause.
