Immunization Against Common Infection of Babies Could Be Near

Each year, RSV sends as many as 58,000 kids under age 5 to U.S. hospitals, but a vaccine in development may dramatically reduce the risk for severe illness.

RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, typically circulates in fall, winter and spring, causing congestion, runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat. But it can lead to lung infections in some babies, including preemies and those with underlying medical conditions.

Right now, the only available way to prevent RSV is an injection medicine called palivizumab, which requires five shots for season-long protection. Palivizumab is only approved for infants who are at high risk for severe RSV.

But things may be about to change.

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