**RSV Vaccine: Free For Pregnant Mothers & Infants**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 10, 2024

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RSV Vaccine: Free for Pregnant Mothers & Infants - Protection for Your Little One

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects almost all children by the age of two. While most children experience mild symptoms like a runny nose and cough, RSV can be serious for infants, especially those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions.

Good news: there is now a vaccine available to protect babies from RSV. This vaccine is free for pregnant mothers and can be administered to infants during their first year of life.

Why is the RSV Vaccine Important?

RSV can cause bronchiolitis, a serious infection of the small airways in the lungs. This can lead to:

• Breathing difficulties: Babies with bronchiolitis may have trouble breathing, making it difficult to feed or sleep.
• Hospitalization: In severe cases, infants may require hospitalization to receive oxygen or other supportive care.
• Long-term health problems: RSV infection can increase the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory problems later in life.

Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?

The RSV vaccine is recommended for:

• Pregnant women: Getting the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect the baby from RSV before birth and during their first months of life.
• Infants: The vaccine can be given to infants starting at birth and throughout their first year.

It is particularly important for these groups to receive the RSV vaccine:

• Premature infants: These babies have a higher risk of severe RSV infections.
• Infants with chronic lung disease: This includes babies with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions that affect their lungs.
• Infants with heart disease: These babies are more susceptible to complications from RSV.

How Does the RSV Vaccine Work?

The RSV vaccine works by helping the body build immunity to the virus. When a baby receives the vaccine, their body learns how to fight off RSV infection if they are exposed to it.

Where Can I Get the RSV Vaccine?

You can get the RSV vaccine from your doctor or midwife. Ask your healthcare provider if you are eligible for the vaccine and to schedule an appointment.

Protecting Your Child: A Collective Effort

The RSV vaccine is a significant step forward in protecting infants from this serious virus. It is a powerful tool to reduce the number of hospitalizations and other health problems caused by RSV.

By making the vaccine free for pregnant mothers and infants, healthcare providers are ensuring that all families have access to this important protection.

Talk to your healthcare provider today about getting the RSV vaccine for your child.