A ’revolutionary’ RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody

20-Minute Health Talk

In recent months the FDA and CDC approved two new drugs that experts say will change how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is managed. This comes at a critical time, says Mundeep Kainth, DO, MPH, as hospitals prepare for the influx of RSV, flu and Covid cases this fall and winter. The convergence of those three respiratory viruses, termed a "tripledemic," overwhelmed hospitals nationally last winter. Dr. Kainth, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Cohen Children's Medical Center, says these two new protections, just like the flu shot and Covid-19 vaccines, are critical tools to help prevent serious illness and keep people out of the hospital. On this episode, she explains what everyone should know about the first-ever RSV vaccine, which is for pregnant mothers between 32 and 36 weeks, and those older than 60, as well as the new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus), which is for newborns.