CDC approves new RSV shot to protect infants from illness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all infants under 8 months old receive an injection of nirsevimab, a newly approved monoclonal antibody, to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during their first RSV season. A subset of children up to 19 months old at higher risk can receive the shot in their second RSV season. The FDA approved nirsevimab last month, and it has been shown to reduce the need for medical care from RSV by 70% to 75%. However, there are implementation challenges, including the high cost of the shot, restrictions on who can administer it, and the need for coding and tracking systems. The CDC plans to make nirsevimab accessible through their Vaccines for Children program.