Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants, accounting for about 25% of all hospitalizations in this age group. A recent study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reveals new prevention strategies that can significantly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations by at least 50%.
The study was led by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital as part of the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN), under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes infections of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms can range from mild cold-like illness to severe respiratory disease such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalization,” explained Dr. Flor M. Muñoz, associate professor at Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Two preventive treatments were recently developed: a maternal RSV vaccine to protect infants during their first six months through maternal antibodies, and a long-acting monoclonal antibody administered directly to infants aged 0 to 7 months.
“These treatments became available for prevention of severe RSV disease among infants during the 2023-2024 and the 2024–25 RSV seasons,” said Dr. Pedro A. Piedra, professor at Baylor.
Researchers compared hospitalization rates from previous RSV seasons using data from the RSV-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET) and NVSN.
“This long-awaited study is important because for the first time we are able to see the impact these prevention strategies for RSV have in real life, in the United States,” said Muñoz.
“We found the greatest impact on the youngest infants, 0 to 2 months old," added Piedra.
Dr. Vasanthi Avadhanula noted that timely administration of these measures is crucial: “The reduction in hospitalizations was most pronounced during peak RSV season."
The study emphasizes following recommendations for administering preventive measures early in life: “For these RSV protection measures to be effective it’s crucial to follow recommendations,” stated Piedra.
“There are still many infants who are not benefiting from this protective measures," Muñoz added, stressing education efforts among healthcare providers and parents.
Ongoing monitoring remains essential according to Avadhanula: “In addition, ongoing monitoring...is essential."
As efforts continue through CDC-funded NVSN, ensuring widespread availability and timely administration will be vital for protecting vulnerable populations against RSV.
“I consider NVSN one of the jewels of infectious agents surveillance systems in the U.S.” concluded Piedra. The principal investigator at Texas Children's Hospital is Dr. Julie Boom.
