Expecting? How getting vaccinated while pregnant can help protect newborns from RSV

Expecting mothers have countless preparations to make before their little ones arrive, from decorating the nursery and installing a car seat to picking a pediatrician and thinking about maternal immunizations. For mom and actress Chloe Bridges, who is partnering with Pfizer, navigating pregnancy — and the choices that come along with it — was a little overwhelming.

"Looking back, I was facing so many decisions about how to help protect my baby. Everyone — my friends, my parents, my husband Adam's parents, social media — had their own opinions," said Bridges. "It was a lot."

Now, when reflecting on her pre-birth planning, Bridges says she has 'new mom clarity.' One crucial decision she made during pregnancy was receiving ABRYSVO^® (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine), the only vaccine given to pregnant people at 32 through 36 weeks gestation to help protect infants from the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from birth through six months.

What is RSV?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can be dangerous for babies. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S, with more than 50% of all RSV-related hospitalizations during the first year of life occurring within the first three months, and more than 75% occurring within the first six months.

The role of maternal immunization

During pregnancy, the mother's body naturally passes antibodies, including those her body creates after receiving a vaccine, to the infant. That means mothers who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant can help protect their babies from the risk of RSV starting with their first breath by receiving the ABRYSVO vaccine.

"Expecting mothers are doing everything they can to prepare for the birth of their babies. It's such a transformative and life-changing experience to have a baby," said Bridges. "For me, speaking with my OB-GYN throughout my pregnancy journey helped me to make decisions that were right for me and Beau. She answered all my questions and provided me with so much information that I needed to prepare."

An important maternal vaccine

If you're pregnant and approaching the third trimester of pregnancy, consider asking your OB-GYN or other healthcare provider about ABRYSVO. Pfizer's ABRYSVO is the first and only maternal RSV vaccine that helps protect newborns against RSV from birth through six months of age. To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ABRYSVO if you are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant from September through January (in most parts of the continental United States). Keep in mind that the recommended months for maternal vaccination might vary depending on your location.

Decide what's best for you and your baby

"I wanted to help protect Beau from RSV from his first breath," said Bridges. "I'm so glad I decided to get the vaccine for him while I was pregnant."

Talk to your OBGYN or other healthcare provider to learn more about how to help protect your baby against RSV.

This article was sponsored by Pfizer. To learn more about the vaccine and deepen your knowledge about RSV and maternal immunization, visit ABRYSVO.com.

Important Safety Information and Use

WHAT IS ABRYSVO?

ABRYSVO is a vaccine indicated for pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and severe LRTD caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants from birth through 6 months of age.

• ABRYSVO should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of its components
• To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age
• Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including ABRYSVO. Precautions should be taken to avoid falling and injury due to fainting
• Adults with weakened immune systems, including those receiving medicines that suppress the immune system, may have a reduced immune response to ABRYSVO
• Vaccination with ABRYSVO may not protect all people
• In pregnant individuals, the most common side effects (≥ 10%) were pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea
• In clinical trials where ABRYSVO was compared to placebo, infants born to pregnant individuals experienced low birth weight (5.1% ABRYSVO versus 4.4% placebo) and jaundice (7.2% ABRYSVO versus 6.7% placebo)

Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of ABRYSVO. Only a healthcare provider can decide if ABRYSVO is right for you. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967.

Individuals who received ABRYSVO during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in a pregnancy exposure registry at 1-800-616-3791. The registry will monitor pregnancy outcomes.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ABRYSVO.

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