A healthcare specialist emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness about the ‘RSV vaccine’ to protect babies

In Islamabad, a health expert highlighted the importance of raising parents’ awareness about the ‘Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine’ for pregnant women, as this virus poses a significant healthcare concern and leads to infant fatalities each year.

Dr. Mubashir Chaudhry, a public health expert from the United States, stated, “A new vaccine designed to combat the potentially lethal RSV is both safe and effective for pregnant women, offering protection to their infants,” during an interview with a private news channel.

He elaborated, explaining that RSV primarily impacts infants and young children, with symptoms ranging from mild cold-like manifestations to severe respiratory distress. Dr. Chaudhry further pointed out that RSV often goes unnoticed, with many cases being categorized as a ‘flu-like illness’.

He emphasized two clear methods for safeguarding infants against RSV: the use of a vaccine for pregnant women and the administration of a monoclonal antibody shot approved for all infants.

In response to a question, he clarified that RSV is known to cause respiratory symptoms and breathing difficulties in infants, often resulting in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death.

Regarding the new vaccine, he noted that it can be administered to pregnant women during their pregnancy, with the hope that newborns will benefit from protection during the first few months of their lives. When a pregnant woman receives the vaccine, she can transmit crucial antibodies to her children after birth. These parental antibodies can help shield infants from diseases during their early months, he added, emphasizing that vaccines are designed to offer long-term protection and prevention.