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An RSV Vaccine For Babies Could Be Coming Soon
A vaccine syringe sits on a table.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
A new shot could soon be available to protect babies from RSV, a highly contagious respiratory disease.
What will the shot do? It’s a monoclonal antibody that can both prevent and treat infections in infants who have already been diagnosed with RSV. Dr. Kimberly Shriner, infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital, told our newsroom’s AirTalk program the development is “very important,” as RSV was recently responsible for a surge in hospitalizations in the U.S. among infants and small children.
“The huge number of children that were getting RSV speaks to the importance of vigilance,” said Shriner, “and the need for developing effective therapies and preventative measures, including vaccines and antibiotic therapy.”
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What’s the next step for the shot? The single dose antibody, known as Nirsevimab, still needs FDA approval. That could happen later this summer, making the drug available for babies up to 24 months old.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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