On Tuesday, November 1, Pfizer stated that their RSV vaccine for pregnant women provides at least 6 months of protection against severe illnesses in babies.
The vaccine prevented severe RSV cases in newborns whose mothers were vaccinated by 82% in phase III of a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled research.
For your information, RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs. It makes people like they have a mild cold. Even though most kids and adults who are infected with RSV get better without any major long-term effects, Chang said that the virus could be serious and even kill babies, young kids, and older adults.
This protection lasts from birth until 3 months. Pfizer added that the vaccination was 69% effective at 6 months of age, despite a decrease in protection.
According to Yahoo News, participants in the trial were monitored for six months following vaccination to determine the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Moreover, the infants were monitored for at least a year, and more than half were monitored for two years.
“As someone who spent part of their ID training focused on RSV research, this is wonderful news,”
— Dr. Michael Chang, pediatric infectious diseases specialist
Dr. Chang also said that the vaccination might be a “game changer”, but they must consider other things as well. This includes children older than 1 year who have a high disease burden.
RSV mortality is highest among premature infants and newborns who have cyanotic congenital heart disease. This immunization may not assist these patients, he added.
Chang emphasized that maternal immunization for pertussis (whooping cough) has been utilized successfully in the past. In addition, new results indicate that mothers who get COVIDvaccinations during pregnancy can likewise convey protective antibodies to their infants.
Pfizer’s plan
Pfizer plans to test the vaccine in pregnant women, younger individuals, and elderly people who are at risk for serious infection. In August, the company revealed positive vaccination trial results in older adults.
Pfizer has stated that it intends to submit a licensing application to the FDA before the year’s end. Vaccine distribution is anticipated for late 2023 or early 2024 if it receives regulatory approval.
Source: Yahoo News, NBC News