Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes respiratory tract infections that can cause serious illness in infants. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to three percent of children under the age of one are hospitalized due to RSV every year. Sadly, up to 300 children die of RSV in the United States every year. Luckily, there is now a vaccine for pregnant women that can help protect their babies from the virus. This is the second year the vaccine has been available.
“We recommend the vaccine to all pregnant patients, and administer it between 32 and 36 weeks because that is the prime period for it to have the most effect for the baby,” said Lauren Kauvar, MD, OB/GYN.
RSV season typically runs between September and January. However, AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton provides the vaccine to their patients year-round, not just during peak RSV season.
"We have been offering it all along at the recommendation of the AdventHealth Littleton NICU. They have said that there are plenty of babies that have RSV throughout the summer too."
By getting the vaccine while pregnant, women pass along protection to their babies. While there is a treatment for infants diagnosed with RSV, it is often reserved for the most serious of cases.
"The babies can also be treated after birth, but that is typically reserved for the most high-risk cases. Since there's not quite as much availability for the infant treatment as there is for the vaccine during pregnancy, I strongly encourage my patients to get it,” said Dr. Kauvar.
Dr. Kauvar says the RSV vaccine, combined with other recommended vaccines in pregnancy, give babies the best chance of staying healthy.
“It’s still important for parents to stay on top of their flu and COVID shots, as well as get the TDAP vaccine.”
Dr. Kauvar says those who are pregnant should check in with their OB/GYN to make sure they receive all of the recommended vaccine.
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Lauren Kauvar, MD, FACOG, is an obstetrics physician and gynecologist specializing in pregnancy, miscarriage, contraception, family planning, infertility and female sterilization. She wants her patients to feel comfortable asking questions and tailors care to meet their needs.
Dr. Kauvar earned her Doctor of Medicine from The Tel Aviv Sackler School of Medicine in Ramat Aviv, Israel. She completed her internship and residency at The Hofstra University School of Medicine, North Shore, in Long Island, New York.
In her free time, Dr. Kauvar enjoys skiing, golf, travel, cooking, and participating in triathlons.
