Study links maternal RSV vaccine to increased risk of hypertensive disorders

A cohort study found the maternal respiratory syncytial virus vaccine could be associated with a greater risk of pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders, but the researchers emphasized the study is just one in a multiphase approach to monitor the RSV vaccine for safety. The study used sequential surveillance methods. It included 13,619 RSV-exposed pregnancies and compared results to a group receiving seasonal influenza, bivalent COVID-19 and/or the Tdap vaccine, a group not exposed to RSV, and a historical group. In addition, the study found the RSV vaccine was not linked to a higher risk of preterm birth or other adverse outcomes. JAMA Network Open published the study. The researchers say further studies are needed. (MedPage Today article, 4/21/26)