RSV shot nearly 80% effective in preventing infant hospitalization

Vaccinating pregnant mothers with the respiratory syncytial virus shot at least 14 days before delivery was 78% effective in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection hospitalization in babies from birth to six months, a JAMA Pediatrics study found. The systematic review and meta-analysis consisted of 7 studies and 7,112 babies, of whom 2,684 were born to vaccinated mothers. The vaccine also was 82% effective in preventing hospitalization for RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection in babies up to 3 months. The researchers say adding the vaccination to routine antenatal immunization programs could address disparities among vulnerable newborns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine during 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy. (Contemporary Pediatrics article, 11/6/26)