The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recommended two drugs to prevent severe RSV illness in pregnant individuals and babies. Young children a group that is especially vulnerable to RSV. In the US, the virus hospitalizes 58,000–80,000 kids under 5 years old each year. Low and middle income counties see suffer most of the deaths from RSV: over 100,000 children less than 5 years old die from the virus every year in less wealthy countries.
The first medication is a vaccine given to pregnant women to protect their child. Pregnant women in the weeks 32-36 of pregnancy are eligible to receive a single dose of Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine (Abrysvo).
An antibody shot sold under brand name Beyfortus, is authorized for babies and toddlers. However its availability is currently limited.
Full Story: Reuters
