RSV Vaccine Slashes Infant Hospitalizations in NY

Infant hospitalizations from RSV have seen a significant decrease in New York this past season, a development health professionals attribute to the widespread use of a new vaccine. This vaccine is administered during the RSV season, which typically runs from September to March.

While federal guidelines suggest the RSV vaccine is for high-risk groups, local pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to recommend it for all infants. Dr. Annemarie Stroustrup of Cohen Children's Medical Center noted that RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalizations, but this year, hospitals remained less full.

Previously, Cohen's admitted 250 to 300 RSV patients monthly. This year, admissions were under 50 per month. Parents like Emily Bridgen-Mannino, a NICU nurse, opted for immunization, recalling her nephew's week-long hospitalization with RSV.

The vaccine, available since late 2023, offers protection through monoclonal antibodies for babies and vaccination for pregnant women. Dr. Agata Kantorowska of Katz Women's Hospital stated that babies born to vaccinated mothers are half as likely to need healthcare for RSV and 82% less likely to end up in the ICU.

Expectant mothers like Anayat Ghotra chose to get vaccinated during pregnancy, knowing it would protect their newborns without requiring a separate infant vaccine.