What We’re Reading: Maternal RSV Vaccine Data; Women More Affected by Long COVID-19; US Midterms, Science Policy

Pfizer Announces Positive Efficacy Data for RSV Vaccine

Pfizer announced that its maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine given during pregnancy protected infants from developing severe RSV symptoms during the first 6 months after birth. The vaccine was 81.8% effective against severe lower respiratory tract illness due to RSV in infants from birth through the first 3 months of life, and 69.4% effective through the first 6 months of life. The Washington Post reported that the data have not yet been peer reviewed or published outside the Pfizer news release, but they reflect good news during an early RSV season that is overwhelming pediatric hospitals. Pfizer plans to submit the vaccine for FDA approval by the end of 2022 with hopes to make it available by next winter.

More Women Had Long COVID-19 Than Men, Survey Says

Data from that US Census Bureau and National Center for Health Statistics show that long COVID-19 is more common among women than men, CNBC reported. According to results of a national survey completed by more than 41,000 US adults, more than 17% of women had long COVID-19 at some point since the beginning of the pandemic, compared with 11% of men. Additionally, around 2.4% of women with long COVID-19 experienced symptoms that significantly limited their normal activities, compared with 1.3% of men. Overall, more than 14% of US adults had long COVID-19 at some point, and 7% currently have it.

Midterm Elections Pose Uncertainty Around Science Policy

With midterm elections coming up next week, some voters are concerned that Congress chambers controlled by Republicans would put science on the line. STAT News reported that vocal critics of scientists and science agencies are expected to take on powerful Congressional committee positions if Republicans gain control, enabling them to “conduct sweeping investigations and put health officials on public trial.” These new positions may also give Republican officials the power to cut health agency budgets and deny funding for new COVID-19 measures and other health priorities. Additionally, some of the Republican party’s biggest defenders of science and science policy are set to retire.