What is the RSV vaccine?
Quick Answer
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of severe lung infections in infants and older adults. New vaccines were approved in 2023.
The Full Story
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a widespread virus that can cause serious bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in very young children and older adults. For decades there was no approved vaccine, but that changed in 2023 when the first RSV vaccines were authorized for older adults. Around the same time, other prevention tools such as maternal vaccination and long-acting antibodies were also developed to protect infants. RSV is one of the leading causes of infant hospitalization worldwide. The new vaccines mark a major advance in respiratory medicine.
Key Facts
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