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The shot will help shield newborns from RSV in the early months of life, when they're especially vulnerable to severe illness.
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The new COVID shots, which have received FDA approval, will be released in time to pair with the yearly flu shot. And the first vaccines to guard against another scary virus, RSV, are rolling out for older adults and pregnant women.
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For most people, the virus is mild — but experts say it can be more severe for infants, young children and older adults.
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Flu. COVID. RSV. When and how to get vaccinated against them can be confusing. Here are some of the most important things to know.
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An expert panel for the CDC endorsed the one-time shot for infants born just before or during the RSV season and for those less than 8 months old before the start of the season.
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AstraZeneca’s drug, to be sold under the brand name Beyfortus, is a laboratory-made version of an antibody that helps the immune system fight off RSV.
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The newly approved vaccines are expected to be ready in the fall, a time when flu shots and updated COVID-19 shots also will be available.
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At least 58,000 childern younger than 5 years old are hospitalized each year with RSV infections. A Pfizer vaccine given to pregnant people could help protect their infants from severe RSV illness.
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The move sets the stage for adults 60 and older to get vaccinated this fall — but first, the CDC must decide if every senior really needs RSV protection or only those considered at high risk.
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The Vaccines for Children program, which buys more than half the pediatric vaccines in the U.S., may not cover the RSV shot for babies because it’s not technically a vaccine.