Immunization Umbrella Options to Reduce the Burden of RSV

September 30, 2023

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18, Prevention, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Seminars/Webinars, Vaccines

Susan Hepworth, L.J. Tan, MS, PhD, Chelsea Woosley

Susan Hepworth:

Thank you, everybody, for joining today’s webinar under the Im- munization Umbrella Options to Reduce the Burden of RSV. This is hosted by the National Coalition for Infant Health and co-hosted by the Alliance for Pati e nt Access. My name is Susan Hepworth, and I serve as executive director of the National Coalition for Infant Health. Joined today by our speakers, Dr. L.J. Tan of Immunize.Org and Dr. Chelsea Woosley of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. I want to thank our co-host, the Alliance for Patient Access, for helping to make today’s webinar possible. I want to review a few objectives before we get into the meat of our discussion today to level set.

There are four things I want to bring to your attention. The first is a better understanding of the impact of the burden of RSV. Then, we will learn about current vaccines, immunizations, and development to prevent RSV in infants and young children. The last two items identify some policy barriers that may impact equitable access to new immunizations coming to market. And then, lastly, a call to action for those interested, related to a CDC advisory committee on Immunization Practices meeting scheduled for August 3rd to discuss a new immunization for RSV.

[READ REST OF WEBINAR TRANSCRIPT BELOW]

Susan Hepworth:

Next question. Can a newborn baby receive the immunization, or must it be a few months old? Or would it be better for me to receive the antibodies they recommend?

L.J. Tan:

Nirsevimab is indicated for newborns through 24 months of age. It is going to be recommended to be used in newborns. Then, in the second year of life, it will be recommended for those high-risk patients. They also suggest that she get a vaccine to help her generate antibodies that she’ll pass to her infant, but the FDA has not yet approved it.

Chelsea Woosley:

I’ll reiterate that we used to think of RSV season as November, October through April, but now it’s year-round. So, a preventative vaccine is crucial and imperative.

Susan Hepworth:

That’s great. Well, L.J. and Chelsea, thank you for this informative conversation and your expertise and insights into what happens at the bedside when somebody is hospitalized with RSV. Thank you, and have a great afternoon.