October 5, 2023 – The Illinois Department of Public Health has endorsed the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the newly FDA-approved vaccine for RSV that can be administered during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy to protect babies from the virus. This followed recommendations earlier this year for a preventive RSV treatment for infants up to 8 months and toddlers at high risk, and an RSV vaccine for people over 60.
IDPH urges those who are pregnant to consult with their doctor about whether they should receive the vaccine while pregnant or instead provide the preventive treatment for their newborn after birth. If the vaccine is received during pregnancy, infants will be protected and not need the preventive treatment after birth.
As fall begins, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well as other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The latest data shows that new hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain at a low level across the state.
IDPH is urging Illinoisans to take advantage of the protection that is available from all three of the respiratory viruses that were responsible for last winter’s tripledemic that caused a strain on resources in many hospitals, COVID-19, flu and RSV.
“As the weather begins to change, it is important for all Illinois residents to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter virus seasons,” said IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The good news is that we now have vaccines available for the three respiratory viruses – COVID-19, RSV and flu – that were responsible for 2022’s tripledemic. These new and updated vaccines are powerful tools that can protect you and your loved ones by helping preventing hospitalizations and severe health outcomes.”
Last month, the CDC recommended newly reformulated COVID-19 shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. The federal agencies have given the green light for updated mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus.
These newly approved shots are considered safe when given at the same time as other vaccines for the flu and RSV.
