RSV hospitalization rates for babies up to 7 months old dropped sharply during the last winter season, thanks to the introduction of a maternal vaccine and monoclonal antibody. The significant decline in hospitalizations marks a promising trend in reducing the burden of RSV disease in infants.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization Rates Drop Sharply with New Preventive Tools
The 2024-25 RSV season was the first in which the maternal vaccine and monoclonal antibody for infants were widely available. A new study found that RSV hospitalization rates for babies up to 7 months old dropped significantly, compared to earlier seasons.
RSV hospitalization rates vary by age group, with young children and older adults at highest risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, RSV hospitalization rates are highest among infants under 6 months old, with approximately 58% of hospitalizations occurring during this period.
Additionally, individuals over 65 years old have a higher risk of severe RSV illness, accounting for about 40% of all RSV-related deaths.
The Impact of Maternal Vaccination on RSV Hospitalizations
A hospitalized infant receives treatment for bronchiolitis, a lung infection most commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. In the first RSV season that a maternal vaccine and a monoclonal antibody were widely available, RSV hospitalization rates for infants up to 7 months old dropped compared with earlier seasons.
Infants develop rapidly during their first year, with significant improvements in cognitive, motor, and language skills.
By six months, most infants can lift their heads while on their stomachs and bring hands to midline.
By 12 months, they typically walk independently and say a few words.
Infants require regular feeding, sleep schedules, and playtime for optimal development.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for six months, with continued breastfeeding along with solid foods until two years of age.
The study analyzed data from two surveillance systems that track RSV-associated hospitalizations. The results showed that RSV hospitalization rates last winter for babies up to 7 months old were lower than in two combined RSV seasons prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers report in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
How Do Maternal Vaccination and Monoclonal Antibodies Help Prevent RSV Hospitalizations?
RSV is a top reason infants are hospitalized in the United States. The virus is particularly hard on infants because they don’t have any preexisting immunity to it, making the disease more severe. Additionally, infants’ airways are very small, which can make it difficult to get enough air during an infection.
The maternal vaccine for pregnant people is a one-time shot given during a specific window in the last trimester and usually administered from September to January. The antibodies transfer to the fetus and can protect the baby for about six months after birth. The monoclonal antibody, called nirsevimab, is a lab-made source of antibodies against RSV that’s protective for at least five months.
Both preventive tools target a protein the virus needs to enter cells. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using one of these two preventive tools.
Preventive tools encompass various measures aimed at preventing illnesses and promoting overall well-being.
Regular exercise, balanced diets, and stress management are essential components of preventive care.
Additionally, vaccinations, screenings, and health check-ups help identify potential issues early on.
Technology also plays a significant role, with wearable devices and mobile apps tracking vital signs and providing personalized recommendations for individuals to follow the advice given by doctors, such as taking regular medication like 'take two tablets a day' or engaging in physical activities recommended by their fitness coaches.
By incorporating these tools into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of chronic diseases and maintain optimal health.
Decrease in RSV Hospitalization Rates
The new study found that RSV hospitalization rates last winter for babies up to 7 months old fell by 43 percent compared to the previous seasons. This drop was seen across both surveillance systems, with the biggest reduction in hospitalization rates for the youngest infants, those up to 2 months old.
‘This decrease in RSV hospitalization rates is really remarkable,’ says Kawsar Talaat, a vaccine researcher and infectious disease physician at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. ‘I think we’ll soon see a day when RSV hospitalizations in young infants will be much rarer than it is today, which is so exciting.’
However, Talaat also emphasizes the importance of making these preventive tools available to the most vulnerable children, particularly in countries where access to healthcare is limited.
Conclusion
The introduction of maternal vaccination and monoclonal antibodies has shown promising results in reducing RSV hospitalization rates. As more data becomes available, it’s clear that these preventive tools have the potential to significantly impact the burden of RSV disease in infants.
- sciencenews.org | RSV wasn’t as hard on U.S. babies last winter. This may be why
