More pregnant women taking respiratory virus vaccine, but uptake still low

Nearly two years after Singapore approved the RSV vaccine Abrysvo for pregnant women, vaccination rates remain insufficient to impact infant hospitalization rates, doctors say. Dr Yang Linqi, a paediatrician at Thomson Paediatric Centre, noted that RSV-related infant admissions have stayed steady, despite some vaccinated infants experiencing milder cases. The vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer, is given between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy and passes antibodies to newborns, but uptake is too low for measurable effects. RSV, a common respiratory virus, causes severe illness like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, with most children infected by age two. Unlike temperate regions, Singapore sees year-round infections. While the UK reports an 80% reduction in hospital admissions with maternal vaccination, Singapore’s public sector hospitals—like National University Hospital (NUH)—are now offering the vaccine as part of routine antenatal care. Obstetricians report increasing awareness, with Dr Ryan Lee of Thomson Specialists observing a rise in vaccinations, particularly between 34-36 weeks. A 2025 study by Singapore General Hospital found RSV hospitalizations can lead to long-term complications comparable to influenza or Omicron COVID-19. However, concerns about safety, cost, and vaccine duration persist, limiting universal uptake. NUH’s Dr Anita Kale emphasized shared decision-making in maternal immunization, but Dr Petrina Wong of Gleneagles Hospital highlighted ongoing hesitancy. The single-dose vaccine, though not subsidized, is now integrated into antenatal discussions, though broader acceptance remains a challenge.