Reminder: Take action to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus this season

As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season approaches, we would like to remind providers about available RSV immunizations to help prevent severe RSV-related disease in infants. According to a report from the CDC (March 2024), infant preventive antibodies showed 90% effectiveness against the need for hospitalization for RSV in babies. Two immunizations are available to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract infections in infants:

• Pfizer's Abrysvo, a maternal vaccine given during pregnancy
• Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a monoclonal antibody administered to the baby

The maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, is recommended for those who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season, which generally falls between October and March. The vaccine can provide protection for infants up to six months if the mother receives it at least two weeks prior to delivery.

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) provides up to five months of protection against RSV and is approved for infants under 8 months during their first RSV season, and certain children between 8 and 19 months at increased risk of severe RSV disease. In some cases where a mother received an RSV vaccine, Nirsevimab can still be considered for the child if there is a substantial risk for severe RSV disease or if the maternal immune response to the vaccination is inadequate.

Nirsevimab is covered under the Vaccines for Children Program. Additional information about RSV prevention and Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) can be found at cdc.gov/rsv.

We look forward to sharing resources and working with you to achieve improved outcomes for children in our communities.