In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved one respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and an updated monoclonal antibody therapy to prevent respiratory disease in very young children.
Given these were new options, health officials did not know which product pregnant women would prefer during the 2023-2024 RSV season.
Pregnant Women Prefer RSV Passive Immunization Protection for Infants
Meds Rarely Offered for COVID-19 Patients at High Risk for Progression
No reason other than mild symptoms given for almost half of patients at high risk for progression who were not offered treatment
Southern Countries Gain Disease X Vaccine Producer
The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd (SII) joined the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) network of vaccine producers in the Global South region.
Created by CEPI to expand the global footprint of vaccine production, this manufacturing network focuses on vaccine makers in the Global South near areas at high risk of outbreaks caused by deadly viral threats like Lassa Fever, Nipah, and Disease X.
No Sign Latest COVID Variant Leads to Worse Symptoms
By Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Jan. 24, 2024 (HealthDay News) — JN.1, the COVID variant sweeping the country this winter, is not prompting more severe disease than earlier variants …
Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination May Reduce Neonatal Respiratory Distress
The odds of neonatal respiratory distress were higher for unvaccinated mothers versus those vaccinated before infection
COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy Safe for Infant Neurodevelopment
No difference seen for abnormal Ages and Stages Questionnaire screens for offspring at 12 or 18 months of age
From “Immunity Debt” to “Immunity Theft”
JAMA Medical News recently published a Perspective explaining how new phrases may apply to recent respiratory illnesses in children in various countries.
Published on January 10, 2024, Rita Rubin, MA, discussed the ongoing debate about how the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased rates of diseases such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Much of the discussion has centered around immunity debt and immunity theft, terms born of the pandemic and not found in textbooks.
From “Immunity Debt” to “Immunity Theft”
JAMA Medical News recently published a Perspective explaining how new phrases may apply to recent respiratory illnesses in children in various countries.
Published on January 10, 2024, Rita Rubin, MA, discussed the ongoing debate about how the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased rates of diseases such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Much of the discussion has centered around immunity debt and immunity theft, terms born of the pandemic and not found in textbooks.
Texas Publishes 'Big Three' Respiratory Virus Trends and Insights
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced it had launched new data tools to empower people to keep tabs on respiratory viruses in Texas.
In Texas, respiratory virus season runs from October to May and usually peaks in the winter. However, these viruses create health risks at any time of year.
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake More Likely in Pregnancy if Receiving Other Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance twice as high if Tdap or influenza vaccinations also received