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Infant Mortality Drops as RSV Protections and Sleep Education Expand

6/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. infant mortality fell to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, a decline that translates to several hundred fewer deaths.
Health officials introduced a lab-made antibody injection for infants to protect against RSV.
Health officials also began offering an RSV vaccine to pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks gestation.
Education on safe-sleep practices was linked to a reduction in sudden infant death syndrome.

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Story summary

U.S. infant mortality fell to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, a decline that translates to several hundred fewer deaths.
Health officials introduced a lab-made antibody injection for infants to protect against RSV.
Health officials also began offering an RSV vaccine to pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks gestation.
Education on safe-sleep practices was linked to a reduction in sudden infant death syndrome.