Why should pregnant mothers get the RSV vaccine?

RSV virus infection is quite common in infants, but currently, there is no vaccine available that can be directly administered to prevent RSV infection in babies (only pre-made antibodies can be given). Therefore, the best preventive measure against RSV virus infection in infants is to vaccinate pregnant mothers so that their bodies develop immunity, which is then transferred to the fetus in the womb. This helps to effectively prevent RSV infection from birth.

What is RSV in infants

The RSV virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a virus that causes respiratory tract infections. It is quite common in infants and the elderly. Currently, there are 2 strains of the RSV virus, namely, strain A and strain B. According to studies in the United States, 75% of infants aged 0 – 1 year who are hospitalized with an RSV infection are within the first 6 months of their life, regardless of the gestational age at which they were born.

When does the RSV virus outbreak occur?

The RSV virus in Thailand tends to spread between the rainy and winter seasons. However, past research has shown that the RSV virus can be transmitted year-round, with different annual outbreak patterns between strain A and strain B. It is possible to observe outbreaks of both strains within the same year.

Why should pregnant mothers get the RSV vaccine?

Since there is currently no vaccine available that can be directly administered to infants to prevent RSV virus infection, the best method of preventing RSV virus infection in infants right now is the administration of a vaccine covering both strain A and strain B to pregnant mothers. This enables the infant to have immunity against the RSV virus from birth, without the need for post-birth medications. If the mother did not receive this vaccine during pregnancy, a newborn can still receive pre-made antibodies against the RSV virus after birth.

Why pregnant mothers should get the RSV vaccine

When should pregnant mothers get the RSV vaccine?

Pregnant mothers should receive the RSV virus vaccination between the gestational ages of 24 – 36 weeks, requiring only 1 dose. This allows the mother’s body to produce immunity, which is then passed to the fetus during pregnancy (Passive Immunity). This leads to the baby being born with a level of immunity to protect against RSV virus infections in the respiratory system for the first 6 months. Studies have shown that the immunity level in infants gained from maternal vaccination is effective in preventing severe lower respiratory tract infections caused by the RSV virus in newborns during the first 3 months and 6 months after birth, at 81.8% and 69.4% respectively. Additionally, it helps to reduce the rates of hospitalization and fatalities from RSV virus infections in newborns.

Are there any side effects for pregnant mothers receiving the RSV vaccine?

According to clinical research, the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is highly safe and does not increase the risk of preterm birth or complications for the mother or child. However, some side effects that may occur include:

Pain, swelling, redness at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Headache

Why pregnant mothers should get the RSV vaccine

Advantages of the RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers

Prevents RSV virus infections
Reduces complications from RSV virus infections
Reduces mortality rates from RSV virus infections
Reduces hospitalization rates
Provides infants with immunity during the first 6 months when they cannot create their own immunity, without the pain of injections

If a pregnant mother wishes to receive the RSV virus vaccine, it is advised to consult closely with an experienced obstetrician for advice and additional information on this vaccine. Let us come together to build immunity for our children from their first breath, as their first steps begin with protection from the mother.

Specialized maternal and fetal medicine physician

Dr. Weerawich Pornwattanakrilert, obstetrician, specialized in maternal and fetal medicine, Women’s Health Center, Bangkok Hospital

You can click here to make an appointment by yourself.

Hospitals ready to provide RSV preventive vaccine services for pregnant mothers

The Women’s Health Center at Bangkok Hospital is ready to take care of pregnant mothers receiving RSV preventive vaccine services, with obstetricians specializing in maternal and fetal medicine and a multidisciplinary team ready to care for all aspects of pregnancy until the little one opens their eyes to the world, ensuring both mother and baby are healthy.