Health

Officials Hoping To Get Newly-Approved RSV Vaccine

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first vaccine that protects newborns from respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV.

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2023

Jameelha Missick

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On Thursday we told you how a recent uptick in respiratory viruses among children in the country is concerning to local physicians but there is now a vaccine that can guard against respiratory infection.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first vaccine that protects newborns from respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV.

The single-dose shot, made by Pfizer, is given to mothers late in their pregnancies and provides protection to infants through the first six months of life.

It’s the first vaccine that can protect babies from RSV, which causes a lower respiratory illness that can be severe in infants.

But could this option soon be available to mothers in The Bahamas? We put the question to Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville.