RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women

What is RSV?

• RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, a common and contagious virus that affects the lungs and airways.

• RSV can cause mild symptoms like a cold, but it can also lead to serious complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in young infants.

• RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under one year of age in the United States.

How can you prevent RSV?

• The best way to protect your baby from RSV is to get vaccinated during pregnancy.

• CDC recommends a single dose for pregnant people who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September through January, which is the typical RSV season in most parts of the country.

• The vaccine will help your body make antibodies that will pass to your baby and protect them from severe RSV disease for the first six months of life.

What are the benefits and risks of the vaccine?

• The vaccine can reduce your baby’s risk of being hospitalized from RSV by 57% in the first six months after birth.

• The vaccine is safe and effective for pregnant people and their babies. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea.

• The vaccine does not contain live virus, so it cannot cause RSV infection.

Where can you get the vaccine?

• You can get the vaccine from your local pharmacy that offers it. (Walgreens, Rite Aid, Fred Meyers, etc.)

• The vaccine is covered by most insurance plans and Medicaid. If you do not have insurance or cannot afford the vaccine, you may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program or other assistance programs.

Does the RSV vaccine pass on immunity to the baby?

Yes, the RSV vaccine for pregnant people can pass on immunity to the baby. When a pregnant person gets the RSV vaccine, their protective proteins (called antibodies) also pass to their baby. So, babies who are born at least 2 weeks after their mother gets the RSV vaccine are protected from severe RSV disease for the first six months of life. 

Author

Richard Lorenzo, DO

Dr. Lorenzo is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG), reflecting his expertise in women’s health. He provides comprehensive gynecological and obstetric services, including prenatal care up to 20 weeks, infertility evaluations, and general gynecology. Dr. Lorenzo specializes in advanced surgical techniques, offering minimally invasive procedures for abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and hysterectomy, ensuring quicker recovery and minimal discomfort for his patients. He is highly trained in high-risk obstetrics and adept at performing minimally invasive hysterectomies, providing women with effective solutions tailored to their needs. At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, Dr. Lorenzo prioritizes personalized, compassionate care, empowering women to make informed health decisions.