RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It tends to spread during the fall and winter seasons. RSV poses a serious risk to babies and young children, making it the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States.

There are two Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) prevention strategies which were recently approved by the FDA in 2023 for use in babies in the first few vulnerable months of their lives. We will describe both. The first strategy for the prevention of RSV infection in babies is a vaccine given to pregnant women before birth.