New Shot to Prevent RSV in Children Faces Supply Challenges for Pediatricians
RSV season is approaching, and doctors are hopeful that a new shot to prevent the virus in young children will help ease the caseload this year. However, pediatricians are facing challenges in getting the necessary supply of the new vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the Beyfortus antibody shot, developed by drugmakers AstraZeneca and Sanofi, for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in babies from birth to 8 months old, as well as in children up to 24 months old with severe risk factors.
RSV is known to be the leading cause of hospital admissions in children younger than 1 year old.
Dr. Lauren Fitzpatrick, the medical director of the pediatric unit at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, expressed optimism about the potential of the new vaccine to reduce RSV cases. “We thought that this was groundbreaking, that this could be our game-changer, that we could potentially really reduce the risk of patients being admitted for RSV,” she told CBS News. However, the reality has been different.
Pediatricians are facing an infrastructure challenge in rolling out the new vaccine. Although there is a demand from families who want the vaccine, the supply is limited. Furthermore, the cost of the vaccine is nearly $500 per dose, creating financial complications for pediatricians. While most insurance plans are expected to cover the cost, providers have to order supplies without knowing how much they will be reimbursed.
Fitzpatrick expressed frustration about the situation, stating, “As pediatricians, we’re angry. It feels like we have an opportunity that may be missed.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns and sent a letter to the CDC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, urging them to ensure that the new RSV vaccine can be widely and equitably distributed. The CDC has recently announced that pediatricians will be paid for counseling families about the vaccine in addition to administering it.
Fitzpatrick also called for more clarity from insurance companies regarding coverage for the expensive vaccine. She suggested that insurance companies work with small practices to expedite reimbursements or provide funding ahead of time to help them invest in the vaccine.
Molly Fleenor, who is expecting her second daughter in December, during the peak of RSV season, expressed her hope for a resolution to the supply challenges. “It shouldn’t be a guessing game,” Fleenor said. “It should be pretty black-and-white and should be accessible and available to as many people as possible, if not everybody.” Fleenor will be eligible for the new RSV vaccine for pregnant women in their third trimester, which can help protect her baby.
RSV is a significant concern for parents, as it can quickly turn severe and make children very sick. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the new preventive antibody for all infants whose mothers did not receive the maternal vaccine, especially those at high risk for RSV. Doctors are advising either the new shot for the newborn or the maternal vaccine for pregnant women.
In conclusion, while the introduction of a new vaccine to prevent RSV in children is promising, supply challenges and costs are hindering its widespread availability. Pediatricians are urging insurance companies and federal leaders to address these issues to ensure that all children have access to the potentially life-saving vaccine.