RFK Jr. Questions Safety of Approved RSV Vaccinations for Children
FDA officials are recently scrutinizing several approved treatments for RSV in infants, even though the vaccines have been shown to be safe in clinical trials.
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US health officials are reported to be questioning safety of several approved treatments for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
The drugs—notably Sanofi and AstraZeneca's Beyfortus and Merck's Enfloncia—are vaccinations given to infants in the first months of life to protect against complications caused by RSV, which is number one reason for hospitalization in infants in the USA
RSV usually strikes in winter and can cause severe illness and even death in infants and the elderly. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends what do pregnant women get? RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy between September and January.
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The study marks the latest move by federal health agencies to question existing vaccines and treatments under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted vaccine skeptic. This comes days after a group of influential vaccine advisers handpicked by Kennedy voted in favor of cancel recommendation for a universal dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth, despite what experts said was a lack of evidence.
FDA officials began researching treatments for RSV this summer, according to Reuters. Vaccine skeptics claim, without evidence, that the shots may increase the risk of seizures in some infants.
In 2023 the FDA approved of Bayfortusa type of antibody drug intended for infants born during or entering the first RSV season, and for children under two years of age who are vulnerable to severe RSV. Agency approved by Enflonsiaa similar drug, in June 2025. Like all FDA-approved drugs, these medications underwent rigorous clinical testing for safety and effectiveness before they were given the green light.
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