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Seasonal & contemporary vaccines

RSV Protection for Babies

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a leading cause of serious chest infections in babies. WHO recommends protecting infants either with a single vaccine dose for the mother late in pregnancy, or with a long-acting antibody given to the baby at birth.

Awaiting medical review

This page summarises the official sources listed below and hasn't been reviewed by our doctor yet. Check with a doctor before making decisions for you or your family.

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Reviewed by
Not yet reviewed
Administration
Injection: a vaccine for the mother, or an antibody for the baby
Where to get it
Not yet part of Pakistan's public programme; ask your doctor about availability

What is RSV Protection for Babies?

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a leading cause of serious chest infections in babies. WHO recommends protecting infants either with a single vaccine dose for the mother late in pregnancy, or with a long-acting antibody given to the baby at birth.

Dosage and schedule

Mother: one dose in the third trimester, from about 28 weeks of pregnancy. Or baby: one dose of a long-acting antibody (such as nirsevimab) at birth.

Who it's for

  • Pregnant women in the third trimester
  • Newborns and babies in their first months

Benefits

  • Protects babies in their first months against severe RSV chest infections.
  • WHO recommends that all countries introduce RSV protection for infants.

Diseases prevented

  • Severe RSV disease in infants (bronchiolitis and pneumonia)

Common reactions

  • Mother: pain at the injection site, headache or muscle aches.
  • Baby (antibody): occasional redness or swelling at the injection site.

Precautions

  • Your doctor will advise which option suits you and your baby.
  • Tell the doctor about any severe allergy to a previous dose.

When to seek help

  • Seek care straight away if a baby has fast or difficult breathing, stops feeding, or turns pale or blue.

Medical disclaimer

This vaccine knowledge base is educational and based on public EPI/WHO sources. It does not replace advice from a qualified doctor, vaccinator, or local health authority. For missed doses, illness, allergies, pregnancy, immune compromise, or an unexpected reaction after vaccination, speak to a health-care worker.

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