The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released more than 77,000 doses of RSV shots for infants on Thursday in an effort to alleviate a persistent nationwide shortage.
The additional doses are of Beyfortus, a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to protect infants too young for vaccination against RSV.
The federal Vaccines for Children Program and commercial channels will be used to distribute them immediately to physicians and hospitals, according to the agencies. In a press release from the organization, CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr. Nirav Shah stated, “CDC and FDA are committed to expanding access to this important immunization so that more parents have peace of mind during the winter virus season.”
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Reports on RSV vaccination
Additionally, the CDC has made the vaccines easier for physicians to order through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers vaccinations to half of the children in the United States.
For the remainder of the year and into early 2024, the CDC and FDA have stated that they will keep a close eye on manufacturers in order to facilitate the release of additional Beyfortus doses. This cold and flu season, shortages of Beyfortus, a vaccine for infants under eight months old whose mothers did not receive the adult RSV vaccination, have been affecting the United States.
The medication’s first it season has begun, and according to a statement released by the manufacturer, Sanofi, late last month, demand has greatly outpaced supply.
October saw the CDC recommend giving Beyfortus (nirsevimab) priority for infants who are most likely to have a serious it infection. These included babies under six months of age and babies with underlying illnesses, such as premature birth, lung or heart disease, immunocompromised conditions, or severe cystic fibrosis, that put them at risk of developing serious infections.
Results on the RSV vaccination
Kelly Bocskor, a mother of two, told CBS News she’s been trying to get it shot for a few months now. “RSV is just a really bad virus for babies, especially young babies,” said Bocskor, who lives in Severn, Md. “They are recommending it for babies under 8 months, and my daughter just turned 5 months a couple of days ago.”
“Nobody I have talked to has gotten access to this [shot],” Bocskor added. “At this point, it’s like a figment of the imagination. Nobody has had access to it.”
RSV vaccination is safe for every group
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children between the ages of 8 and 19 months be given Synagis (palivizumab), an alternative RSV vaccination.
Synagis is not as convenient to obtain as the Beyfortus shot because it needs to be administered once a month during RSV season.
RSV vaccination is safe for pregnant women
Pregnant women are being urged by officials and medical professionals to receive the recently approved RSV vaccine, as it will boost their immunity and safeguard the unborn child. Pregnant women can still receive the adult vaccination.
Risks of a vaccine reaction
- Pain, redness, and swelling where the shot is given, fatigue (feeling tired), fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain can happen after RSV vaccination.
Serious neurologic conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), have been reported after RSV vaccination in clinical trials of older adults. It is unclear whether the vaccine caused these events.
Preterm birth and high blood pressure during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, have been reported among pregnant people who received the RSV vaccine during clinical trials. It is unclear whether these events were caused by the vaccine.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccinations. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
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