Pharmacy Practice NewsACIP Recommends Beyfortus to Prevent RSV in Infants

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices votes unanimously to recommend new RSV vaccine for all infants 6 weeks to 5 months old.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted unanimously to recommend universal use of nirsevimab (Beyfortus, AstraZeneca) to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in very young infants.

Key Points:

• Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to the RSV virus and preventing it from infecting cells.
• The ACIP voted to recommend nirsevimab for all infants 6 weeks to 5 months old, regardless of risk factors.
• This is the first time that the ACIP has recommended a universal vaccination for any respiratory virus.
• Nirsevimab is administered as a single injection into the muscle.
• The vaccine is effective in preventing RSV LRTI in 95% of infants who receive it.
• Nirsevimab is not effective against other respiratory viruses, such as the common cold or influenza.

Additional Points:

• The vaccine is expected to be available in the United States in early 2024.
• The ACIP’s recommendation is a major step forward in the fight against RSV.
• Nirsevimab is the first RSV vaccine that has been shown to be effective in preventing serious illness in infants.

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