antibody

“Vaccinating during pregnancy is incredibly helpful, because moms can make the antibodies and transfer those antibodies across the placenta,” Singh said.

Viruses can mutate to escape from antibodies, but the mRNA vaccines are not causing the emergence of more virulent strains, likely for at least two reasons.

Finding a suitable donor — one with the proper blood type, antibody levels and geographic location — all play a role.

Then, the brain is sliced up and very thin sections are put on glass slides and stained with antibodies that help make abnormal proteins visible.

Unlike a vaccine, which prompts the body to create antibodies and takes a few weeks to be effective, nirsevimab gives immediate protection from RSV infection.