Why are RSV shots only recommended for high-risk babies in the US?

The Trump administration announced restrictions, recommending RSV shots only for high-risk infants instead of all babies.

How effective are RSV shots at preventing hospitalizations?

Studies show RSV jabs dramatically reduce hospitalizations, with one study finding the newborn shot 81% effective.

What are the concerns about limiting RSV vaccine access?

Experts worry that restricting access will cause RSV hospitalizations to surge, missing a large majority of potential cases.

Home / Health / Experts Warn Against Limiting RSV Vaccine Access

Experts Warn Against Limiting RSV Vaccine Access

11 Jan

•

Summary

RSV shots are now recommended only for high-risk infants in the US.
Studies confirm RSV jabs dramatically reduce hospitalizations.
Experts fear restricting access will cause RSV hospitalizations to surge.

Experts Warn Against Limiting RSV Vaccine Access

US officials have recently restricted recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shots, now advising their use only for high-risk infants. This decision, announced by the Trump administration, is met with concern from medical experts who highlight significant evidence confirming the vaccines' success in reducing hospitalizations. Doctors report a noticeable decrease in severe illness among babies who received the shots in recent years, a trend they fear will reverse with the new limitations.

Four recent studies published in Jama reinforce these observations, indicating a substantial decline in hospitalizations directly attributable to the RSV vaccines. Prior to these widely approved vaccines in 2023, RSV was a leading cause of hospitalization for children under five. Experts express alarm that targeting only infants with existing health issues will overlook a significant portion of vulnerable babies, as 81% of those hospitalized with RSV have no underlying conditions.