@@@ RSV vaccine gets approval for all infants

[basilosaurus]

This is huge. Approved for all infants, not just preterm or with other congenital issues, plus it's a single shot, not monthly like what's currently used.

www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/07/17/fda-approves-astrazeneca-sanofi-rsv-shot-for-infants-toddlers.html

[wanderingback]

Interestingly enough it’s technically a medication and not a vaccine so it’ll be interesting to see how this proceeds forward. Also in the alert I got through my medical specialty it says it’s "approved for infants and children up to 2 years old who face increased risk of severe RSV." So it’ll be interesting to see if this is going to be another standard recommended childhood injection or not. I guess we’ll find out in August.

From the article-
"Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that has a similar function to a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies, while shots like nirsevimab deliver those antibodies directly into the bloodstream.

The fact that nirsevimab is regulated as a drug has created some uncertainty about whether the federal Vaccines for Children program will provide the shot for free to families who face financial difficulties. The CDC advisors are expected to discuss this issue at their August meeting."

[tarajane]

I wonder about the costs. My triplets got it because they were preemies and it was expensive. Hopefully insurance will cover it for all infants.

[wanderingback]

The panel has recommended it for all babies 8 months or younger who will likely encounter rsv season and for those 8-19 months who remain vulnerable to severe rsv. They also recommend it be provided under the vaccines for kids program even though it’s an antibody.

My daughter turns 9 months next week so guess she won’t get it
cause she was born full term and has no health problems. I’d certainly be open to her getting it as she starts daycare in the fall!

[Jalapeñomel]

I would’ve loved to have this since my littlest has been so sick with RSV.

[rhian]

I was excited to read this! My son got hit hard with RSV at 8 months, after starting daycare at 6 months. We avoided the hospital, but he needed albuterol nebulizer treatments and steroids to help fight it off. Would definitely love more protection for a future baby.