Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness in children and is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants. On July 17th, 2023 the FDA approved nirsevimab (Beyfortus®), a long-acting monoclonal antibody indicated for the prevention of severe RSV for infants and select high risk children. On August 3rd, 2023 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously recommended the addition of nirsevimab to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) child immunization schedule and Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.  

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends nirsevimab for: 

• Infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season* if: 
  • Pregnant parent did not receive the maternal RSV-vaccine 
  • Pregnant parent’s RSV-vaccine status is unknown  
  • Pregnant parent received maternal RSV-vaccine less than 14 days before infant was born  
• Children 8 to 19 months old at increased risk for severe RSV disease during their 2nd season. 

*Typically, RSV seasons in Ohio run from October through March.    

Partners For Kids Communication

Here you will find Partners For Kids developed content around RSV prevention, including
newsletter updates and webinars.

• • 2024 Webinar Video: Update on Immunization Practices for Prevention of Severe RSV Infection
  • 2024 Webinar Slide Deck: Update on Immunization Practices for Prevention of Severe RSV Infection
  • Beyfortus® For Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Infants

For Healthcare Professionals

This section contains links to reputable sources of information for health care professionals to learn more about nirsevimab and RSV-prevention.

Nirsevimab recommendations and dose guidance: 

• Administration Visual Guidance (AAP) 
• ACIP and AAP (Redbook) 
• Nirsevimab in Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report (CDC) 
• Nirsevimab Package Insert (Sanofi) 
• Frequently Asked Questions (CDC) 

 Nirsevimab implementation logistics: 

• Predicting Uptake in the Community (CDC)  
• Ordering (AAP)  
• Payment and Coding (AAP) 
• Practice Readiness Checklist (AAP)  
• Frequently Asked Questions (AAP)  

 Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®): 

• Recommendations and Guidance (CDC) 
• Frequently Asked Questions (CDC) 

For Patients

These links are to patient facing websites and material that help to explain the importance of RSV-prevention and the recommendations for using nirsevimab.

• CDC Immunization Information Sheet (IIS) on Nirsevimab
• Background on Nirsevimab
• RSV Prevention
  • • What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus 
    • RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold