NEW YORK (AP) – A shortage of the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) shot for infants has led U.S. health officials to advise doctors to prioritize administering the drug to babies at the highest risk of severe disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Monday evening stating that infants under 6 months with chronic lung disease or other underlying conditions should be given priority.
RSV is a common virus that can cause cold-like symptoms and pose a danger to young children. As the virus continues to spread in the southern United States and is expected to expand over the next couple of months, the demand for the new antibody shot has surged. Developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi under the brand name Beyfortus, the one-time shot assists the immune system in combating the virus.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July, the CDC subsequently recommended the RSV shot for infants born just before or during the RSV season, as well as for those under 8 months old before the season begins. Additionally, a dosage was recommended for some 8- to 19-month-olds who are at a higher risk of developing a severe illness. The shot is available in prefilled syringes of either 50 milligrams or 100 milligrams, with the higher dose intended for larger infants.
However, the supply of the RSV shot has fallen short, particularly for the larger doses needed to protect eligible infants. The CDC has cautioned healthcare professionals that even the supply of smaller doses may be limited during the current RSV season. To preserve the available stock of smaller shots, doctors are advised not to administer two smaller doses to larger infants. In situations where the RSV shot is not available, some children may be eligible for an older RSV drug called palivizumab, which requires monthly injections.
Health officials are also urging doctors to encourage pregnant women to receive a newly designed vaccine aimed at safeguarding newborns from RSV. By vaccinating pregnant women, the need for the antibody drug in their babies would be eliminated.
Supply chain issues and unexpected high demand are cited as the key reasons for the shortage. Sanofi, the drug’s manufacturer, has acknowledged that the demand, particularly for the larger doses, has exceeded initial expectations. As a result, the CDC has placed a temporary halt on orders of the shots through the program that provides vaccines for underprivileged and uninsured children.
As the RSV shot shortage persists, healthcare providers are grappling with the challenge of prioritizing infants at the greatest risk of severe illness. While efforts are being made to ensure an adequate supply of the antibody treatment, it remains crucial for pregnant women to consider getting vaccinated to protect their newborns from RSV. RSV season is expected to continue to pose a significant threat, and health officials will closely monitor the situation to safeguard infant health.
