The Latest Vaccination Error: 128 Pregnant Women and 25 Babies Received Incorrect RSV Vaccines
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a report revealing a serious vaccination error. According to the CDC, 128 pregnant women and 25 babies received vaccines that were not appropriate for their conditions. These vaccines were designed to treat RSV, a severe respiratory virus.
Unapproved Vaccines Administered
The two vaccines involved in the error are Pfizer’s Abrysvo and GSK’s Arexvy, both of which were approved for distribution in May. However, neither vaccine has been deemed safe for the specific treatment of RSV in children, and Arexvy has not been approved for use in pregnant women. Despite this, the CDC discovered that 128 pregnant women and 25 babies received these vaccines, although such errors are uncommon.
No Serious Side Effects
The CDC reports that none of the individuals who received the unapproved vaccines have experienced any serious side effects.
Implications for RSV Protection
This vaccine error has implications for the estimated one million infants in the United States who are protected against RSV. These infants are either covered by nirsevimab, an immunization recommended for infants under 8 months old, or by vaccination of pregnant individuals, as recommended by the CDC.
RSV Burden Estimates
Each year, RSV surfaces in the United States during early fall and continues to affect individuals until early spring. The CDC has gathered significant data about the impact of RSV, including the following estimates:
- Approximately 2.1 million children under the age of five receive outpatient treatment for RSV annually.
- Between 58,000 and 80,000 children under five require hospitalization due to RSV.
- About 60,000 to 160,000 adults aged 65 and older are hospitalized due to RSV.
- Between 6,000 and 10,000 adults aged 65 and older die from complications related to RSV.
- Between 100 and 300 children under five years old lose their lives due to RSV.
Signs of RSV
Babies under 6 months old are especially vulnerable to RSV as their immune systems are still developing and their respiratory airways are smaller. Typical symptoms of RSV may include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. It is important to note that symptoms usually resolve within a week or two, but infants in this age group may exhibit symptoms such as increased irritability, lethargy, decreased appetite, or difficulty breathing. If these signs are observed, immediate medical attention is advised.
For any additional information, please refer to the CDC’s official report or reach out to your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
