WASHINGTON (Sept. 27, 2023)--The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended a new vaccine to protect babies against severe respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. This virus typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but it can lead to a serious illness, especially for infants. According to the CDC the new vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of RSV hospitalization for babies by nearly 60% in the first six months after birth.
The George Washington University has experts available to talk about RSV, the vaccine and how to protect babies and other vulnerable groups from this virus, COVID and others circulating this fall and winter. To arrange an interview with a GW expert on this topic, please contact Kathy Fackelmann at [email protected].
Elissa Malkin is an assistant research professor of medicine at the GW Vaccine Research Unit at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences and has expertise in the RSV vaccine development process. She can talk about why it is important for vulnerable groups of people to get protection from RSV.
Michael Knight is an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He can discuss which groups are at greater risk of contracting RSV, including babies, older adults and people who are immunocompromised.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She can discuss RSV transmission and protection. She is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese or English.
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