Overview

• New monoclonal antibody treatment, Nirsevimab (trade name Beyfortus), reduces the risk of severe RSV disease by about 80% in infants and toddlers, according to the CDC.
• The treatment is in short supply due to unexpectedly high demand, with the existing supply being prioritized for infants at highest risk of severe RSV disease.
• RSV-related vaccinations were only approved by the Food and Drug Administration this last fall and are recommended for three demographic groups: pregnant people, infants under eight months old, and toddlers and infants eight to 19 months old who are at high risk and adults ages 60 and older.
• RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms, but infants, toddlers, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at risk for severe infection and may need hospitalization.
• Despite the shortage, healthcare providers are trying to prioritize the limited supply to infants who are under six months old and immunocompromised patients.