CDC Recommends Antibody Shot for Infants to Protect Against Respiratory Virus
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all infants under 8 months of age receive a new antibody shot to protect against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend the injection, which will be added to the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule.
RSV is a lung-attacking virus and is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under a year old. The infection tends to peak during the fall and winter months. Infants under 8 months old are at the highest risk, as the virus can fill their tiny lungs with mucus, making it difficult to breathe.
The new antibody shot, called nirsevimab, is the first product available to protect all newborns against RSV. ACIP also unanimously recommended that infants aged 8 to 19 months, who have underlying health issues that put them at higher risk for hospitalization, receive a second dose of nirsevimab to help them through their second RSV season.
Certain racial and ethnic groups, such as American Indian and Alaska Native children, are disproportionately affected by RSV. The CDC stated that these groups should also be eligible to receive a second shot of the antibody.
Nirsevimab is a long-acting antibody, which recognizes and handcuffs RSV, preventing it from infecting cells. It will be marketed under the trade name Beyfortus. Sanofi and AstraZeneca are the two companies marketing nirsevimab.
The therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization due to RSV by about 75% in clinical trials. It was 90% effective in preventing the need for intensive care for babies with RSV. The CDC estimates that the therapy will prevent one doctor’s visit for every 17 babies treated.
The new recommendations should greatly expand access to the therapy, as all infants will be able to receive the shot at no out-of-pocket cost to families. The federal Affordable Care Act mandates that insurance plans cover recommended immunizations with no cost sharing to patients. However, insurance coverage may take time to kick in, with companies having a year to implement coverage for new products.
Nirsevimab will be available to patients in a few months, just in time for this year’s RSV season. The shot will be the first form of passive immunization added to the childhood immunization schedule.