New drug to protect babies and toddlers from RSV gets FDA approval ahead of cold season

By MATTHEW PERRONE
AP Health Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials have approved a new long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against a respiratory virus that causes thousands of hospitalizations each year. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the injection for infants and children up to 2 years old. It’s made by AstraZeneca and is already approved in Canada and Europe. RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most healthy people, but it can be life-threatening for the very young and the elderly. There are no vaccines for babies yet so AstraZeneca’s shot is expected to fill a critical need. Pfizer and other companies are developing vaccines for young children and pregnant mothers.