COVID-19 Immunity Gap
Expanded multiplex PCR testing since 2020 contributed to higher reported post-pandemic RSV incidence and must be accounted for when comparing pre- and post-pandemic surveillance data. COVID-19 pandemic public health measures caused a 98% r…
1 sources - 5 claims
Expanded multiplex PCR testing since 2020 contributed to higher reported post-pandemic RSV incidence and must be accounted for when comparing pre- and post-pandemic surveillance data. COVID-19 pandemic public health measures caused a 98% reduction in RSV cases during the 2020–2021 season. Pandemic-era infants had no opportunity to acquire RSV-specific immunity through natural exposure and were RSV-naive when restrictions lifted. Infants who missed acquisition of maternal RSV antibodies due to reduced pandemic-era maternal exposure faced increased risk of severe RSV disease.