RSV Cases on the Rise in New Jersey, New Immunization in High Demand
Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are increasing in New Jersey, leading experts to recommend a new immunization for infants to prevent hospitalizations. While the number of RSV patients has been growing, it is not as severe as last year. However, as the weather gets colder, there is a possibility of a surge in cases.
Due to unprecedented demand, supplies of the new RSV immunization, nirsevimab (sold as Beyfortus), are limited. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert advising pediatricians to prioritize the drug for infants at the highest risk. This has led to rationing of the new treatment.
Stephanie Silvera, an infectious disease expert and professor at Montclair State University, believes the rise in cases is not as dramatic as the previous year. She suggests that the current situation may be following a more typical timeline, resembling the pre-pandemic wave of expected cases.
Last fall, New Jersey experienced a 35% increase in RSV cases, although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was still being felt. Dr. Harpreet Pall, chair of pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and chair of the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, explains that the uptick in cases earlier this year was due to children not being exposed to RSV during the pandemic.
Although RSV usually causes mild symptoms similar to a cold, it can be severe for babies, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. The virus is the leading cause of childhood illness and hospitalization in infants, according to the CDC.
Dr. Pall expresses hope that Beyfortus, Sanofi’s monoclonal antibody drug, will significantly reduce the number of RSV cases. The drug was approved by the FDA in July 2022. Two RSV vaccines for adults over 60 were also approved earlier this year.
Nirsevimab is not technically a vaccine but a monoclonal antibody treatment. It provides immediate antibodies to fight RSV without the need for the body to generate them. Studies have shown that this treatment can prevent hospital admissions by 75-80%.
Unlike older RSV treatments such as Synagis, a single shot of Beyfortus can provide protection for approximately five months. This ability to cover an entire respiratory season is considered a significant advantage.
However, due to limited supplies, parents are advised to consult with their primary care pediatricians to discuss the best course of action for their children. Healthcare professionals will consider factors such as age, predisposing conditions, and availability of the drug.
RSV infections in the lower airway can lead to bronchiolitis, which is a common cause of hospitalization for children. Reducing RSV cases and hospitalizations would be a significant breakthrough in children’s health.
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