RSV Vaccines Coming for Pregnant Women in the Americas

Starting early next year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will provide countries of the Americas with access to the Pfizer-produced vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organization to prevent RSV-related diseases in infants. 

The PAHO stated on November 1, 2024, that around 13 million children are born in the region each year, and if the RSV vaccine is offered to pregnant women, they could benefit from this measure.

The PAHO reported in October 2024 that the new RSV season had started slowly in the Americas.

In the United States, the U.S. FDA-approved single-dose, extended half-life monoclonal antibody Beyfortus™ offers passive immunization to prevent lower respiratory tract infections caused by the RSV to newborns and infants experiencing their first or second RSV season.

In September 2024, the WHO's advisory group recommended that all countries introduce passive immunization to prevent severe RSV disease in young infants.