New RSV Vaccine
As many of you are aware, a new medicine has been approved for the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This medicine is a monoclonal antibody called Beyfortus. A monoclonal antibody is a man-made protein that acts like human antibodies; ie attaches itself to a specific antigen (protein) on the surface of another cell marking it for destruction by the host’s immune system. In the case of Beyfortus, the antibody has been designed to attach to the surface of an invading RSV virus and stimulate a vigorous immune response thereby minimizing or negating serious illness.
Why was this medication produced?
RSV is an extremely common respiratory virus that is easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The NIH reports that nearly all children in the US have been infected by the age of 2 years and the CDC RSV Surveillance and Research team reports 2.1 million outpatient visits in those under 5 years of age annually.
In the US, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, which causes inflammation of the small, lower airways, occurring primarily between October and March. While most healthy children experience RSV as a mild cold, premature infants, babies with severe underlying heart or lung disease, those under 6 to 8 months of age and the elderly are at risk for far more compromising illness. RSV typically begins with mild cold symptoms but may progress to more labored breathing, wheezing and even apnea. The NIH reports 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations per year in those under 5 years of age in the US alone. In the hospital, supportive care such as oxygen, deep suctioning of mucous, IV fluids, and in some cases mechanical ventilation are utilized.
Who should consider Beyfortus?
The current unanimous recommendation from the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization practices) and the CDC is that infants less than 8 months of age entering into their first RSV season and those 8-19 months old with increased risk entering into their second RSV season receive an injection of Beyfortus. The injection is estimated to last at least 5 months thereby covering the typical RSV season. Side effects of the injection include skin rash, injection site reaction (redness, swelling, pain) and potentially a severe allergic reaction.
Will Beyfortus injections be covered by your insurance?
We do not know how quickly insurance companies will come on board with coverage and you may be responsible to cover the cost. We will not know at the time of the visit, if Beyfortus will be covered and it is very expensive.
When will it be available?
We are expecting Beyfortus to be available at our RPC offices within the next few weeks. If your child fits into the recommended group noted above, please ask your physician about it at your next well visit. We will have limited doses to start and will only offer it to infants at well visits. At this time, we will not be scheduling separate visits to receive Beyfortus. If your child is high risk and 8-19 months old, you can contact your child’s specialist at CHOA to see if they are able to get the medication sooner.