CDC advisers recommend Pfizer RSV vaccine for pregnant women.
The CDC Recommends Pfizer Vaccine for Pregnant Women to Protect Against RSV
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee has made a significant recommendation for expectant mothers. They have voted in favor of pregnant women receiving the Pfizer vaccine to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the late stage of their pregnancies.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 11 in favor of the recommendation and one opposed. The next step is formal approval from CDC Director Mandy Cohen, which is expected to make this vaccine part of the Vaccines for Children Program, further enhancing its accessibility.
Dr. Cohen, the CDC Director, referred to the vaccine as “another new tool” that can be used this fall and winter “to help protect lives.”
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In a statement, Dr. Cohen encouraged parents to discuss with their doctors the best way to protect their babies against serious RSV illness, either through a vaccine during pregnancy or an RSV immunization given to the baby after birth.
RSV is a virus that causes hospitalizations and fatalities among infants in the United States. The CDC recently warned that a combination of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza could overwhelm hospitals and strain the healthcare system this winter.
Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine, Abrysvo, received FDA approval for use in pregnant women. It is a single-dose injection administered into the muscle between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The FDA states that the vaccine provides immunity to the unborn baby, protecting them from lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV until at least six months of age.
According to clinical trial data, Abrysvo reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants by 91 percent within three months after birth. RSV is typically mild in healthy adults but poses a significant threat to children under the age of five.
RSV is responsible for up to 80,000 hospitalizations and up to 300 deaths annually among young children in the United States. Last year, there was a surge in severe RSV infections that overwhelmed children’s hospitals.
The CDC advisory committee recommends that pregnant women receive the Abrysvo vaccine between September and January, when RSV rates are historically high. Another option for RSV protection in babies is an injectable drug called Beyfortus, which is recommended for infants up to eight months old entering their first RSV season.
Concerns Over Side Effects
While the Pfizer maternal RSV vaccine has been recommended, there are some concerns about potential side effects. During a phase three trial, a slightly higher rate of premature births occurred among mothers who received the vaccine compared to those who received a placebo. However, this difference was not considered statistically significant.
The FDA has reported certain side effects among pregnant women who received the shot, including pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. Additionally, there was a small increase in the occurrence of pre-eclampsia, a dangerous hypertensive disorder, among those who received the vaccine.
Pfizer will conduct post-marketing studies to further evaluate the risk of premature births and pregnancy-related complications following vaccination. They will also launch a pregnancy registry to monitor the vaccine’s safety and allow women and obstetricians to report any adverse events.
It is important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about receiving the Pfizer vaccine to protect against RSV.
Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
How does the safety and tolerability of the Pfizer vaccine compare to a placebo?
Cent when compared to a placebo. The vaccine is also shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with common side effects including injection site pain, headache, and fatigue. The benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks, especially in light of the severe consequences of RSV infection in infants.
The CDC’s recommendation for pregnant women to receive the Pfizer vaccine is based on the evidence of its safety and effectiveness in preventing RSV in infants. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from respiratory infections, including RSV. By getting vaccinated during pregnancy, women can pass on protective antibodies to their babies and provide them with early immunity against RSV.
The decision to include the Pfizer vaccine in the Vaccines for Children Program further highlights the importance of this recommendation. The program aims to provide vaccines to eligible children who might not otherwise have access to them. By making the Pfizer vaccine available through this program, more pregnant women will be able to receive the vaccine and protect their babies from RSV.
It is crucial for parents to have open and honest discussions with their doctors regarding the best way to protect their babies against RSV. Each individual’s circumstances and medical history may vary, and healthcare providers can provide personalized recommendations based on these factors. Whether through vaccination during pregnancy or immunization for the baby after birth, the goal is to prevent serious illness and complications from RSV.
As we approach the fall and winter seasons, the CDC’s recommendation for pregnant women to receive the Pfizer vaccine comes at a critical time. The combination of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza could lead to a strain on the healthcare system. By taking proactive measures such as vaccination, we can help mitigate the impact of these respiratory infections and protect the health and well-being of pregnant women, their babies, and the community as a whole.
In conclusion, the CDC’s recommendation for pregnant women to receive the Pfizer vaccine to protect against RSV is a significant step in safeguarding maternal and infant health. This decision is based on scientific evidence and aims to prevent severe illness and complications from RSV in infants. By making the Pfizer vaccine accessible through the Vaccines for Children Program, the CDC is ensuring broader availability and increasing the likelihood of its utilization. It is imperative for expectant mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about vaccination and protect their babies against RSV. Through these efforts, we can create a healthier future for both mothers and their children.
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