SALISBURY, N.C. — Cases of RSV, a flu-like virus common in children, typically peak from September through the winter months. For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced approval of a new vaccine that is specifically made for pregnant women that will protect babies from Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

What You Need To Know

  • RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms

  • The CDC reports that each year an estimated 100 to 300 children under five years old die of RSV

  • The FDA recently approved Abrysvo, the first vaccine to ever be used in pregnant women to prevent RSV in infants from birth through six months of age

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. 

Dr. Jessie Blumenthal is a practicing OBGYN for Novant Health Carolina Women’s Health in Salisbury, North Carolina. Blumenthal is a mom of twin adult boys. She said conversations and concerns over RSV twenty years ago rarely happened. 

“There was not a lot of discussion about it, not like there is today. The instance of at the disease appears to be on the rise and the severity of the disease also seems to be increasing” Blumenthal said. 

Today, Blumenthal said babies are among the most vulnerable of contracting RSV. The CDC reports that each year about 100 to 300 children under the age of five die of RSV. 

“It can get very serious with complete respiratory failure and need for artificial ventilation and support,” Blumenthal said. 

The FDA recently approved Abrysvo, the first vaccine to ever be used in pregnant women to prevent RSV in infants from birth through six months of age. Blumenthal explains that the purpose for this vaccine is to pass antibodies off to the baby in utero. 

“There is passive immunity in which the antibodies that are formed from the mom transfer through the placenta to the baby and so the baby is born with some protection,” Blumenthal said. 

Blumenthal said it’s unclear when North Carolinians will see this vaccine being offered in medical offices. She said she’s waiting on official word from the American College of OBGYN before recommending the vaccine to patients. 

“There was some suggestion that this vaccine could increase the risk for preeclampsia or toxemia in pregnancy as well as preterm delivery so it’s clean that this will only offered between 32 and 36 weeks [of pregnancy] because of those risks,” Blumenthal said. 

Blumenthal encourages all patients interested in Abrysvo to talk with their medical providers about benefits and risks before getting the vaccine.