RSV Hospitalizations Plummet Among Infants

In a surprising turnaround, new CDC data reveals that hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among infants aged 0-7 months during the 2024-2025 RSV season are down by an astonishing 28% to 43% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This report, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), showcases the impact of newly available preventive measures.

Breakthrough Vaccination Strategies!

The dramatic drop in hospital rates can be attributed to the widespread availability of innovative preventive approaches, including a maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo from Pfizer) and the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus by Sanofi and AstraZeneca). These interventions not only reduced hospitalization rates but also coincided with a study from January 2025 in JAMA Network Open, which confirmed a robust uptake among pregnant individuals, with 64% receiving the RSV vaccine and 70% of newborns administered nirsevimab.

Impressive Protection Rates

Overall, these measures resulted in an RSV protection rate exceeding 80% for most of the study period, demonstrating the effective real-world application of these vaccines introduced in 2023. Additionally, a May 2025 study published in The Lancet suggested that nirsevimab is particularly potent in preventing severe RSV outcomes in infants, providing new insights beyond clinical trials.

Immunization Rates Soar!

Further analysis from Pediatrics found that a staggering 72% of infants were immunized against RSV, based on data from 36,949 eligible infants across 43,722 pregnancies, establishing a solid foundation in RSV vaccination across America.

Comparing Current and Past RSV Rates

Detailed evaluations from the MMWR showed that for infants aged 0-7 months, hospitalization rates during the current season were 43% lower compared to pooled rates from 2018-2020, and the NVSN indicated a 28% rate reduction during the same periods. Among the youngest infants, especially those aged 0-2 months, reductions were even more pronounced.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The findings underscore the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendations for proactive measures, advising maternal vaccinations or the use of nirsevimab to shield infants from severe RSV disease. The MMWR highlights the urgency of implementing these protective strategies early in the RSV season, ideally during hospital stays for newborns.

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