RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy Shows Similar Safety

Early data from five U.S. health plans covers pregnancies across two RSV seasons, so families should review the findings with their provider.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Pregnancy

RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy Shows Similar Safety

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Would you feel comfortable getting an RSV vaccine during pregnancy to protect your baby?

Interim data from a U.S. study found similar maternal and infant safety outcomes for vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnancies across two RSV seasons. The analysis covered pregnancies reported between Sept. 22, 2023, and Aug. 14, 2025, and was presented at IDWeek. Vaccinated pregnancies showed a slightly lower rate of preterm birth.

Why it matters

Expectant parents weighing RSV vaccination for their babies want to know whether the shot carries hidden risks during pregnancy. These interim findings offer reassurance on safety outcomes, while the modest preterm-birth difference is one more data point families can discuss with their obstetric provider.

Preterm birth occurred in 4.7% of vaccinated pregnancies compared with 6.3% of unvaccinated pregnancies. Pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders occurred in 16.8% of vaccinated versus 15.8% of unvaccinated pregnancies.

The players

IDWeek

An annual infectious-disease medical conference where the interim RSV vaccine findings were presented.

The details

Researchers matched vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnancies by health plan, gestational age, year and quarter of pregnancy start, evidence of immunocompromise or hypertensive disorders, and propensity score. They then compared pregnancy, maternal, and infant outcomes between the matched groups, focusing on preterm birth and hypertensive disorders. Because the analysis is interim, it is a snapshot that will be refined as additional data accumulate.

The vaccinated-pregnancy identification window opened on Sept. 22, 2023.
The identification window closed on Aug. 14, 2025.
Interim results were presented at IDWeek on Nov. 4, 2026.

The Home Front

This monitoring sits within the broader U.S. pattern of tracking maternal vaccines after licensure rather than relying only on pre-approval trials. Results like these shape how family-health guidance is updated over time, even as final conclusions remain pending.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, raise RSV vaccination with your obstetric provider so the timing and benefits can be weighed against your own health history. Keep your prenatal appointment schedule and a list of questions handy for that conversation.

The takeaway

Interim results suggest vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnancies had similar maternal and infant safety outcomes, but the study is not a definitive safety verdict. Bring any vaccine questions to your prenatal provider and keep your records of vaccinations in your pregnancy file.