Update on the supply of Beyfortus, the RSV Immunization for infants
RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, is a virus that most often spreads November to April. For most healthy adults and older children it is a respiratory illness like a bad cold. Infants and elderly adults, especially those that are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions, may have more serious disease that can at times lead to hospitalization.
Like many of you, we were very excited to learn that Beyfortus (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody immunization, was recently approved for babies under 8 months old to help prevent RSV infections and their serious complications.
The demand across the country for this potentially lifesaving immunization exceeded expectations and as you have likely heard, the producer’s supply could not meet this demand. Many pediatric practices no longer have the needed supply for their infant patients. We have recently run out of certain doses in our offices and will likely be running out of all doses for the remainder of the season in the coming days.
We share your frustration and disappointment. Here is what you can still do to protect your infant:
If you are pregnant:
Abrysvo is a vaccine against RSV that was also approved this year for pregnant women. Newborns born to mothers who receive the Abrysvo vaccine more than 2 weeks prior to delivery will receive RSV antibodies passed through their mother’s placenta and will therefore have protection against RSV through the majority of the season. These babies do not need the RSV immunization Beyfortus after being born.
If you are pregnant, please ask your doctor if you are a candidate for Abyrsvo and get vaccinated at the earliest date available. Women can get vaccinated between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. Ideally, you need to receive the vaccine 2 weeks prior to delivery in order to pass on the immunity to your baby. You will also have protection against RSV yourself and this may decrease the risk of you contracting it and bringing it home to your baby.
If you have a newborn:
The state is allocating any remaining supply of Beyfortus to delivering hospitals to be given to newborns prior to discharge.
If it is available and you did not receive Abrysvo, please get your baby immunized with Beyfortus before being discharged from the hospital. This will likely be the last opportunity for your baby to receive it this season.
What else can I do to protect my infant?
Adults 60 years of age and older can also get vaccinated against RSV with Arexvy. This vaccine is intended to protect the elderly against serious respiratory complications from RSV but may have the added benefit of decreasing the risk they will contract it and possibly share it with your baby. Encourage grandparents and older elderly individuals to talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated.
You can also:
- Try to limit your infant being around others who are sick, especially when sick with known RSV.
- Keep children home with fevers until their fever has been resolved for at least 24 hours.
- Wash your hands well and often and teach your children to do the same.
- Teach children how to cough and sneeze into their elbows.
If you would like to learn more about Beyfortus, click here.
To learn more about RSV, click here.
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