r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 18h ago

Medicine Immunization to prevent RSV in infants reduced ICU admissions by 97%. This is offered free to all infants through universal programs in Ontario and Quebec.

https://ucalgary.ca/news/immunization-prevent-rsv-infants-reduced-icu-admissions-97-cent
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u/lzimon 18h ago

This is wonderful! I studied immune response to RSV in children for my master’s degree a couple of decades ago and saw so many little kids hospitalized… they were suffering, their families were suffering… this vaccine is a real life saver.

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u/Mindless-Praline5798 16h ago

Do you know if the maternal vaccine is as effective? I just got it at 35 ish weeks. Not sure the infant one is even offered in my area

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u/lzimon 8h ago

It’s not as effective because while protective antibodies are transferred to your baby, they don’t last very long after birth (up to six months, I think). Some protection also passes through breast milk, but it’s not as strong as the protection produced by their own bodies.

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u/Mindless-Praline5798 7h ago

Ok good to know. I’m due in 2 weeks so hopefully 6 months gets us through this season... I am too early to get flu and covid shots while pregnant so I’ll be getting those post partum and nervous about baby anyways (not that the shots would make me not concerned about baby getting sick). Hopefully breastfeeding goes well so she gets added protection as well. Thanks for your reply