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Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination during pregnancy confers higher anti-RSV IgG concentration in neonatal cord than maternal blood

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects nearly all children under 2 years of age and poses a significant risk, particularly for infants younger than 6 months. Since 2025, pregnant women in Poland have been eligible for free vaccination against RSV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of anti-RSV IgG antibodies (types A and B) in vaccinated pregnant women at delivery and in umbilical cord blood of their newborns. Anti-RSV IgG levels were measured using the ELISA method in 304 paired maternal and cord blood samples. Vaccination was administered between at 27 and to 39 weeks of gestation (mean = 32 weeks). Significantly higher concentrations of IgG antibodies were observed in newborns compared to their mothers ( p < 0.0001), with no association with neonatal sex ( p = 0.41). No correlation was found between the interval from maternal vaccination to delivery and antibody levels in either maternal or cord blood. A history of RSV infection in older children did not result in a statistically significant increase in anti-RSV IgG levels in either mothers or newborns. Conclusions Maternal RSV vaccination, optimally administered during the third trimester, provides effective passive immunity to the newborn through active transplacental antibody transfer. Vaccination is should be recommended during each subsequent pregnancy.

Source: Vaccine X

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2026.100923

Authors: Szymon Bednarek, Małgorzata Świątkowska-Freund, Grażyna Misiak

Institution: Provincial Polyclinical Hospital in Toruń

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory viral infections research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,440