A new study finds that the vaccine was 78% effective for any RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease through age 6 months.
Respiratory syncytial viruses are linked to nasal colonization with Streptococcus pneumonia, but their specific role is still unclear.
A vaccine given to pregnant women and an antibody therapy given to newborns both protect babies during their first respiratory virus season.
Researchers say the results suggest the monoclonal antibody could be a tool for antibiotic stewardship.
Infants are more vulnerable than older children to severe illness from viruses like the flu and RSV, and symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea for roughly one-third of kids.
Both immunizations are highly effective at keeping kids and babies healthy.
Newborns immunized against RSV also had a 36% lower risk of infection with a life-threatening illness called invasive pneumococcal disease.
A Mayo Clinic study finds the risk is almost doubled for adults under 50, a group currently not broadly advised to get an RSV vaccine.
The reduction in transfers to emergency departments is driven by increased testing and case detection and faster flu antiviral initiation rather than smaller outbreaks.
A study of women in 8 countries finds that they often agree to RSV vaccination during pregnancy and believe it’s better than immunizing their babies directly.
