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recommendations on the use of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibodies to protect infants from illnesses caused by RSV. 

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 is recommending the use of a new immunization, nirsevimab, to help protect all infants under 8 months and some older babies from severe illnesses caused by RSV.

Nirsevimab, trade name BeyfortusTM, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody product, which has been shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by about 80 percent.

Nirsevimab, which was approved last month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is administered as an injection and provides infants and toddlers with antibodies to protect against severe RSV illness. It provides critical protection during a baby’s first RSV season, when they’re most at risk for severe illness.

RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illness and results in annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. It is the leading cause of hospitalizations for infants and older babies.

According to CDC, nirsevimab is expected to be available this fall for RSV season. There are many factors affecting the implementation rollout of this new medication that are currently being addressed at the national level, before it begins arriving to local hospitals and doctors’ offices. Once implementation hurdles are cleared, AstraZeneca and Sanofi have indicated they are prepared to meet public demand and make nirsevimab available to providers.

Expectant parents and parents of infants under the age of 8 months, as well as those with older babies, should talk with their healthcare providers to request this added layer of protection against RSV this season and inquire when they expect have supply on hand.

optimal timing for nirsevimab administration is shortly before the season

 , nirsevimab may be given at any time during the RSV season for age-eligible infants and children who have not yet received a dose.

Nirsevimab should be administered within one week of birth

. Administration can be during the birth hospitalization or in the outpatient setting. Infants with prolonged birth hospitalizations due to prematurity or other causes should receive nirsevimab shortly before or promptly after discharge.

In most regions of the United States and other areas with similar climates, RSV season typically starts during the fall and peaks in the winter. Tropical climates may have seasonality that differs from most of the continental United States or is unpredictable. Providers in these jurisdictions should consult state, local or territorial guidance on timing of nirsevimab administration. Within Louisiana, reports of RSV and other viral respiratory disease activity can be found 

children who have received nirsevimab should not receive palivizumab for the same RSV season

Coadministration with routine childhood vaccines

Children aged 8–19 months who should receive nirsevimab when entering their second RSV season because of increased risk of severe disease, include:

ACIP voted to include nirsevimab in the Vaccines for Children program, which provides recommended vaccines and immunizations at no cost to about half of the nation’s children.

CDC is currently working to make nirsevimab available through the Vaccines for Children program. Healthcare providers will be a key partner in CDC’s outreach efforts. Additional clinical guidance and healthcare provider education material will be provided by CDC in the coming months.