Is RSV vaccine passed through breast milk?

Understanding RSV Vaccines and Breast Milk Transmission
The question of whether an RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine can be passed through breast milk is a complex one, particularly as research continues to evolve in the field of maternal immunization. Currently, the available data suggests that while vaccines can confer some level of immunity to infants, the specifics regarding RSV vaccines and their transmission through breast milk remain less clear.
Current Status of RSV Vaccines
Recent developments in RSV vaccines, such as those from Pfizer and Moderna, have focused on protecting vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and infants. The CDC has provided guidance indicating that these vaccines are not recommended for pregnant individuals, which raises questions about the potential for maternal antibodies to be transferred to infants through breastfeeding.
Antibody Transfer Through Breast Milk
While studies have shown that certain vaccines, particularly those for COVID-19, can lead to the presence of antibodies in breast milk, the situation with RSV is different. The existing research primarily highlights that antibodies from vaccines like those for COVID-19 can indeed be passed through breast milk, providing some level of protection to infants. However, there is currently no definitive evidence indicating that RSV vaccines produce a similar effect.
Implications for Maternal Vaccination
The lack of recommendations for RSV vaccination during pregnancy suggests that the potential benefits of maternal vaccination in terms of antibody transfer to infants have not been fully established. This is particularly important as RSV can be a severe respiratory illness in young children, and understanding how to best protect them is crucial.
Conclusion
In summary, while the transmission of antibodies through breast milk is well-documented for certain vaccines, the specific case of RSV vaccines remains uncertain. As research continues, it will be essential to monitor findings related to maternal vaccination and its implications for infant health. For now, the focus remains on developing effective strategies to protect infants from RSV, particularly through direct vaccination efforts aimed at older populations and healthcare providers.

Does the RSV vaccine pass through breastmilk?

The importance of these findings is underscored by the fact that premature infants, who are disproportionately affected by RSV disease [25] and have reduced transplacental antibody transfer, may still be potentially protected by maternal immunization via breast milk [11].

How long does the RSV vaccine take to pass to a baby?

An RSV vaccine in pregnancy
You need to receive it at least 2 weeks before delivery for it to be effective. When you get the vaccine, your body produces antibodies that you will pass on to your baby through the placenta.

What is the controversy with the RSV vaccine?

It looks like Moderna’s trial in infants showed a noticeabe increase in severe respiratory disease in babies from 5 months up to 8 months old – about 26% of the vaccinated infants with symptomatic RSV progressed to more severe disease, versus 8% in the placebo control group.

What are the side effects of the maternal RSV vaccine?

What are the side effects of the maternal RSV vaccine? Side effects such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site can occur after maternal RSV vaccine administration. In the clinical trials, the vaccine was given between 24-36 weeks gestation.

Can I breastfeed after the flu vaccine?

Flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 6 months and older. Women who get the flu vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding develop antibodies that are shared with infants through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding provides some flu protection for infants.

Should my mom get the RSV vaccine?

CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 years and older and for adults ages 60–74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV. Conditions that increase your risk for severe illness include: Chronic heart or lung disease. Weakened immune system.

Can a baby get an RSV after a vaccine?

The antibodies protect the baby for about 6 months after they are born. If you received the RSV shot during your pregnancy, your baby will have protection that lasts through that RSV season. It takes about 14 days for the immune protection from the vaccine to pass through the placenta to your baby.

What immunities are passed through breast milk?

Protection against infections has been well evidenced during lactation against, e.g., acute and prolonged diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, urinary tract infection, neonatal septicemia, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Does vaccine immunity go through breastmilk?

COVID-19 vaccine
There has been no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are harmful to either breastfeeding women who have received a vaccine or to their babies. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breast milk.

Is the RSV vaccine safe for pregnancy?

Overview. CDC recommends a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant people to protect their babies from severe RSV disease. Pregnant people should get a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.