Dozens of Infants Incorrectly Administered Adult RSV Vaccines

The American Academy of Pediatrics journal recently confirmed data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) revealed over two dozen young children were incorrectly administered an adult RSV vaccine.

As reported in a Research Brief on May 9, 2024, these children were under the age of two between August 2023 and March 2024.

In January 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced vaccine administration errors are known to occur.

Since the approval of RSV vaccines and the launch of a second-generation monoclonal antibody, VAERS has received reports of the Pfizer (Abrysvo) or GSK (Arexvy) vaccines being administered in error to children.

Additionally, the CDC and U.S. FDA have received reports of Arexvy being administered in error to pregnant women. 

According to the U.S. CDC, no special monitoring is needed when an adult RSV vaccine is administered to children. However, if eligible, children who receive an RSV vaccine in error should receive Beyfortus™ to prevent severe RSV disease.

Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that prevents severe RSV disease. As of May 10, 2024, Beyfortus is reported to be about 90% (95% CI = 75%–96%) protective against RSV-associated hospitalization in infants in their first RSV season. 

The CDC says that although both monoclonal antibodies and vaccines provide protection, how they deliver protection differs.