If authorized, it will be the first maternal vaccination accessible to help Prevent Baby Respiratory Disease
As winter approaches, health experts urge parents to look for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) symptoms in their children, in addition to colds, flu, and the ever-present COVID-19. According to the CDC, RSV incidences in the United States increased from 1,245 in September to over 8,000 in October.
Premature newborns are more likely to catch RSV, which is especially concerning for African-American mothers, whose prevalence of preterm deliveries was almost half that of white or Hispanic women in 2020.
Pfizer, a leading pharmaceutical corporation, wants to give new mothers some piece of mind. The business is presently evaluating a candidate vaccine for pregnant moms to help protect their newborns against RSV after birth.
The vaccination was 82% effective against serious illness in newborns within the first 90 days of life and 69% effective within the first six months. The business intends to submit its vaccine for approval to the FDA before the end of the year. If authorized, it will be the first maternal vaccination accessible to help prevent baby respiratory disease.
The Root spoke with Dr. Iona Munjal, Director, Clinical Research & Development at Pfizer and Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, and Dr. Hasra Snaggs, Associate Director, Medical Monitor, VRD at Pfizer and Obstetrician Specialist, about their efforts to protect the most vulnerable Americans from RSV.
RSV symptoms for most people include a runny nose, reduced appetite, coughing, and wheezing, according to the CDC. However, signs in young babies, such as irritability, reduced activity, and breathing issues, might be more difficult to detect.
Most healthy people and infants with RSV will not require hospitalization. However, it is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under the age of one. It is also the major cause of newborn hospitalization.
Dr. Munjal reminds out that, despite the fact that RSV has been present for decades, we are now impotent to combat it. She is, nonetheless, enthusiastic about the vaccine's effectiveness. "I know it's never nice to hear about babies and hospitals," she adds, "but it's nice that there's an intersection between increased awareness and the possibility of some real solutions."
Munjal attributes the new buzz regarding RSV to a general rise in awareness of COVID-related respiratory disease. "Previously, in the winter, you either got a cold or the flu. "When COVID appeared, it became critical to distinguish COVID from the flu," she explained. "When hospitals screen for viruses, many of the tests are quite thorough. We've recently discovered that RSV is widespread."
She goes on to say that at the height of the pandemic, RSV practically vanished because people were disguising. However, when more masks are removed, everyone is at risk. "The lack of RSV for a few years has made us extremely vulnerable." So, sadly, all of us are likely to acquire it this year," Dr. Munjal said.
Dr. Hasra Snaggs thinks that by teaching expecting moms about the hazards of RSV, more of them will utilize the vaccination as soon as it is available. "Because RSV is a leading cause of global infant respiratory disease, expectant mothers are becoming more aware of the potential risks and consequences." However, it is not commonly known. "That is why education is critical for vaccine acceptance and uptake," she explained.
Meanwhile, both experts advise parents to model proper hand hygiene for their children, using songs and activities to make keeping clean pleasurable.
"RSV spreads through touch, so it's not just about masking; it's also about hand washing," Dr. Munjal explained. "As pediatricians, we stress the importance of hand washing and not touching your face."
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