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RSV Vaccine Restricted for Infants: Safety Concerns Rise

1/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. officials restrict the RSV vaccine to high-risk infants, a policy shift led by health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Studies show the RSV shot is 81% effective in preventing hospitalization for infants.
Critics argue restricting access could increase RSV cases, since most hospitalized babies have no underlying conditions.
FDA is investigating safety claims, while millions of infants have received the vaccine without known safety issues.

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Story summary

U.S. officials restrict the RSV vaccine to high-risk infants, a policy shift led by health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Studies show the RSV shot is 81% effective in preventing hospitalization for infants.
Critics argue restricting access could increase RSV cases, since most hospitalized babies have no underlying conditions.
FDA is investigating safety claims, while millions of infants have received the vaccine without known safety issues.