and immunocompromising conditions are at higher risk for life-threatening RSV disease, according to Halasa and co-corresponding author Angela Campbell, MD, MPH, from the CDC.
"However, most infants in our study admitted to the ICU with severe RSV did not have an underlying medical condition. Therefore, our data support the need for RSV preventative interventions targeting all infants to reduce the burden of severe RSV illness, including nirsevimab, the long-acting RSV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. The drug was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and a maternal vaccine for RSV prevention is under consideration," Halasa said.
On Aug. 3, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously recommended nirsevimab for all infants younger than eight months, born during or entering their first RSV season and for children ages eight to 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season. Additionally, ACIP unanimously recommended inclusion of nirsevimab in the Vaccines for Children program.