NY Health Commissioner on New RSV Vaccine Standing Order and Respiratory Virus Season

Expanded Access to RSV Vaccine

• 🎯 New York State has implemented a standing order to make the RSV vaccine more accessible.
• 💡 The standing order aims to reduce barriers to vaccination, particularly for those most at risk.

Eligibility for RSV Vaccination

• 👶 The primary eligible groups include individuals 75 and older.
• 🩺 Adults aged 50 to 75 with underlying health conditions (heart, lung, kidney, liver disease, cancer) are also eligible.
• 🤰 Pregnant individuals in their third trimester can receive the vaccine to protect their newborns.

Protecting Newborns from RSV

• 🛡️ Vaccination during the third trimester allows the mother to develop antibodies that protect the baby.
• 💉 Alternatively, monoclonal antibodies are available for newborns, administered by a pediatrician shortly after birth.
• 🏥 RSV is a common cause of hospitalization for infants, highlighting the importance of these protective measures.

COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Viruses

• 📈 While hospitalization rates for COVID-19 are highest in those 65+, the 6-month to 2-year-old group is the second highest.
• 🦠 The video encourages better vaccine uptake for babies against COVID-19, emphasizing it remains a significant concern.
• 📚 With children returning to school, it's crucial to ensure childhood immunizations are up to date to prevent the spread of diseases.

Navigating Vaccine Information

• ⚠️ The Health Commissioner acknowledges potential confusion and hesitancy surrounding vaccines.
• 📰 New Yorkers are advised to rely on the New York State Department of Health for accurate and reliable vaccine information.
• 🧠 It's important to seek credible sources and avoid misinformation to make informed health decisions.