ATLANTA, Georgia – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is raising concerns about incorrect vaccinations being administered to pregnant women and babies. According to a report issued by the CDC, 128 pregnant women and 25 babies received two vaccines intended for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) treatment, despite not being approved for use in these populations. The vaccines, Pfizer’s Abrysvo and GSK’s Arexvy, were mistakenly administered to individuals for whom they were not considered safe, the CDC reported. This error occurred despite the fact that such mistakes are said to be rare, the agency noted.
The incorrect vaccine administration is especially relevant as the fall approaches, when RSV typically begins to surface in the United States and continues to spread through the winter months before declining in early spring. Each year, millions of children and adults seek treatment or are hospitalized due to RSV, making the safe and appropriate use of vaccines crucial in preventing the virus’s impact.
The potential risks associated with administering unapproved vaccines to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and infants, highlight the need for careful and accurate vaccination practices. While the CDC confirmed that those who received the incorrect vaccines have not experienced any serious side effects, the incident underscores the importance of adhering to approved guidelines for vaccine use, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and infants.
The CDC recommends an immunization called nirsevimab for infants under 8 months old during RSV season, as well as vaccination of pregnant individuals to help protect infants from RSV. This emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to ensure that the correct vaccines are administered to the appropriate populations, in line with approved guidelines and regulations.
It is important for healthcare providers and individuals to be aware of the symptoms of RSV, as well as the appropriate vaccination protocols to effectively mitigate the impact of the virus. Symptoms of RSV can include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing, with infants under 6 months potentially showing increased irritability, lethargy, decreased appetite, or difficulty breathing. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms in a timely manner is crucial in providing appropriate care for patients affected by RSV.