SINGAPORE - Nearly two years after Singapore approved a vaccine to protect newborns against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), more pregnant women are getting the shot, but doctors say uptake remains too low to reduce infant hospitalizations.
Pediatrician Dr. Yang Linqi of Thomson Paediatric Centre reported no significant decrease in RSV-related infant admissions. Some infants have contracted RSV despite maternal vaccination, though cases appear milder and rarely require hospitalization.
RSV is a common respiratory virus causing cough and fever, but can lead to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. Unlike temperate countries, RSV circulates year-round in Singapore.
The vaccine, Abrysvo by Pfizer, is approved for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. Data from the UK shows it can reduce infant hospital admissions by over 80%.
Despite growing awareness, concerns over safety, cost, and duration of protection persist. The single-dose vaccine costs between S$250 and S$350 and is not subsidized.
At National University Hospital, infants continue to be admitted regularly for RSV, with some requiring intensive care each month. Doctors say improving uptake is key to seeing a meaningful decline in hospitalizations.