On December 9, the Food and Drug Administration announced a safety review of two RSV immunizations for infants—despite no safety concerns having been identified. The review of the monoclonal antibody treatments is set to begin in summer 2026. Some online users expressed concern that pediatric RSV immunizations could face a similar outcome to birth doses of hepatitis B vaccines, which federal vaccine advisors recently voted to stop recommending. Others falsely claimed that the immunizations are “toxic” and that their risks outweigh any benefits. Several vaccine opponents supported the immunizations, emphasizing that they are not vaccines and highlighting their effectiveness.
Recommendation
False and misleading narratives about the safety of pediatric RSV immunizations may lead some parents to forego them, placing infants at unnecessary risk. Explaining that RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S is recommended, as is emphasizing that RSV immunizations reduce infant hospitalization by up to 90 percent. Health communicators may also explain that RSV immunizations have been tested for safety in hundreds of thousands of children, with no safety concerns identified since they were approved more than two years ago. Communicators may also consider reviewing existing RSV-related content and preparing to update messaging in response to potential changes in federal guidance following the planned 2026 review.
Fact-checking sources: HealthyChildren.org, CHOP, Public Good News
Communication resources: Find more talking points about RSV
