New RSV Vaccine for Adults and Newborn Babies

 

 

 

 

Many people hear of RSV and think "Meh - it's just a cold."

For babies with RSV, it can mean 1 out of 2 babies will end up in the hospital. 

Could that happen to your baby? 

CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen is an ER doctor, professor in Public Health, and former health commissioner. She is also mother to two young children. She says:

"In the US, around 58,000 to 80,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized because of RSV. Newborns and young babies are especially susceptible. For babies younger than 6 months of age, the rate of hospitalization is as high as 1 to 2 out of every 100 kids infected with RSV." 

Having a baby in the hospital with breathing problems is no fun. I should know, my kids were in the hospital 12 times (2 ICU's) when they were younger.

RSV doesn't just affect babies - adults can also end up in the hospital with RSV. 

Did You Know That: 

159,000 adults will end up with RSV

10,000 - 13,00 will die

This stat surprised me because 4,145 people die from asthma every year. But you are three times more likely to die of RSV. 

Who knew?

The adult vaccine has already been approved for those 60 and older. It could be available by the end of July. 

The RSV vaccine for babies has been approved by the FDA, but will still need to wait for the CDC to issue recommendations before it is available. Will the CDC want all babies to get the shot? Or just preemies and those with heart and lung issues?

Speaking of lung issues - older kids can also end up in the hospital with RSV. My son was 5 (yes, five) when he ended in the hospital for a WEEK thanks to RSV.

Remember that school will be starting soon, and the kids will all start sharing germs. One of those could be RSV 

You know the drill - wash your hands, stay away from sick people, and consider protecting your child and yourself by wearing a mask.  

 You can read more details about the RSV vaccines in the CNN article. 

Fingers crossed for a hospital free fall and winter.