The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the Pfizer RSV vaccine, known as Abrysvo, for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. In Arkansas, the timing of the administration of this vaccine is during September to January when the risk of RSV infection is highest in babies. 

The vaccine works by generating antibodies in the mother that are passed on to the fetus, providing significant protection against RSV infection during the first six months of the infant’s life. Administering the vaccine during this time-frame ensures that the baby will have substantial antibody protection during the October to March RSV season. Generally, antibodies transferred to the baby last for about four months, offering RSV protection immediately after birth, when the baby is most vulnerable. Various RSV vaccines have been authorized in the past by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but for use during pregnancy, at the time of this writing (December 2024), ACOG only recommends the Pfizer vaccine, known as Abrysvo.

The Pfizer RSV vaccine can be administered alongside other recommended vaccines during pregnancy like Tdap. Similar to common vaccine side effects, a woman may experience arm pain, headache, muscle pain, or nausea. These side effects are typically mild.

Abrysvo should be administered to a woman during only one pregnancy. For any subsequent pregnancies, the woman should not receive a second dose of Abrysvo. Instead, the newborn from that second pregnancy should receive nirsevimab described below.