Is the RSV vaccine passed through breastmilk?

Understanding RSV Vaccination and Breastfeeding
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant health risk, particularly for infants and young children. With the introduction of RSV vaccines, many parents are curious about the implications of vaccination during breastfeeding, specifically whether antibodies from the vaccine can be passed through breast milk.
The Role of Vaccination in Maternal Immunity
Recent studies indicate that when a mother receives the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, it can lead to the production of antibodies that are beneficial for the infant. According to health experts, the RSV vaccine is designed to create antibodies that not only transfer to the fetus before birth but also continue to provide protection through breast milk after delivery. This process is crucial as it helps bolster the infant’s immune system against RSV, which is known for causing severe respiratory infections.
Antibody Transfer Through Breast Milk
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition and immunity for newborns. It contains various immunoglobulins, including those specific to RSV, which can help protect infants from infections. The transfer of these antibodies occurs postnatally, meaning that breastfeeding mothers who have been vaccinated can pass on RSV-specific antibodies to their babies through their milk. This mechanism of passive immunity is essential, especially in the early months of life when infants are particularly vulnerable to infections.
Implications for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers who are vaccinated against RSV, the presence of these antibodies in breast milk can significantly enhance the protective effects for their infants. This is particularly important in the context of RSV seasons, where the risk of infection spikes. Health organizations emphasize that breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrients but also serves as a critical line of defense against respiratory infections, including RSV.
Conclusion
In summary, the RSV vaccine does indeed have implications for breastfeeding mothers. By receiving the vaccine, mothers can pass on protective antibodies to their infants through breast milk, thereby enhancing their babies’ immunity against RSV. This dual approach—vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding—offers a robust strategy for safeguarding infants from this potentially severe virus. As always, mothers should consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and to ensure the best outcomes for their health and that of their infants.

Why was the RSV vaccine discontinued?

After a small clinical trial for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was paused because five infants developed severe illness, members of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) committee said more data are needed to determine what factors contributed to the results.

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.

Should parents get the RSV vaccine?

It’s recommended that everyone 75 and older should get the RSV vaccine. Everyone 60 and older with a chronic condition may be eligible and should talk with their care team.

Can I get the RSV vaccine while breastfeeding?

Can the RSV vaccine be given during breastfeeding? The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, and the RSV vaccine can safely be given to women who are breastfeeding. The antibodies you make after you have been vaccinated pass into your breast milk.

Which vaccines should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a contraindication for smallpox vaccination, and yellow fever vaccine should be avoided in breastfeeding women if possible. Other vaccines should not affect the safety of breastfeeding and can be given to breastfeeding women if otherwise indicated.

What are the concerns with maternal RSV vaccine?

The top three challenges OB/GYNs reported with offering maternal RSV vaccination were patients’ concerns around RSV vaccine safety, cost and reimbursement issues, and patients’ concerns around vaccine effectiveness.

How safe is the RSV vaccine for babies?

Nirsevimab is highly effective in preventing RSV-associated hospitalization. Side effects are usually mild, such as pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given, and resolve quickly.

Can breastfeeding moms get the RSV vaccine?

If you are breastfeeding, there is no evidence of any risk to the baby caused by having the vaccine.

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.