Title: CDC Recommends New Immunization to Protect Infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Subtitle: St. Joseph’s Institute Director criticizes Robert Kennedy Jr. for spreading vaccine misinformation
Date: August 3, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday that it is recommending a new immunization this fall to protect infants under eight months and some older babies who are at an increased risk of severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This latest development comes as the agency issued a statement addressing concerns raised by Dr. Bob Lahita, the director of St. Joseph’s Institute for Autoimmune Diseases, who accused Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of spreading misinformation and disinformation on vaccines during a recent interview on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’
The recommended immunization is nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody product developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi. Clinical trials have shown that this treatment reduces the risk of hospitalizations and healthcare visits for infants by approximately 80%. Monoclonal antibodies are manmade proteins that mimic naturally produced antibodies, crucial in fighting off infections, including RSV.
According to the CDC, RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illness, resulting in an estimated 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations of children under the age of five each year in the United States. Tragically, as many as 300 children under the age of five lose their lives annually due to RSV infections.
The CDC recommends administering a dose of nirsevimab to all infants under the age of eight months, specifically those born or entering their first RSV season, when they are most susceptible to severe illness. This typically coincides with the fall to spring period. For a smaller group of children between eight and 19 months who are at a higher risk, a dose is recommended in their second season.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the CDC’s Director, explains, “Making this immunization available means that babies will be able to receive antibodies to prevent severe RSV disease, providing a critical tool to protect against a virus that is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the U.S.”
Although nirsevimab is not classified as a vaccine, the CDC’s advisory committee supported its inclusion in the government’s Vaccines for Children program, which provides free immunizations. This highlights the significance of the newly recommended immunization in combating RSV-related illnesses.
Nirsevimab, which will be marketed under the brand name Beyfortus, was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is expected to be available in the fall. The anticipated cost per dose is $495, likely to be covered by insurance.
In a separate development, a tornado reportedly caused damage to a Pfizer plant in North Carolina. However, the FDA has reassured the public that the incident is unlikely to cause significant drug supply impacts.
In late June, former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed the committee’s recommendations for RSV vaccines by GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer for seniors, emphasizing the benefits of shared clinical decision-making.
As the fall respiratory virus season approaches, Dr. Cohen urges parents to consult with their pediatricians about the importance of preventing severe RSV by considering the newly available immunization.
The news of the CDC’s recommendation for a new RSV immunization provides hope for protecting vulnerable infants against this prevalent virus, as experts continue to stress the importance of accurate vaccine information in the face of misinformation campaigns.