55.8% of Infants Were Protected from RSV

For the first time in the United States, 55.8% of infants were protected by two approved immunization methods last year against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

According to survey results published in a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (73(38);837–843) on September 26, 2024, 33% of eligible pregnant women reported receiving an RSV vaccination. Most vaccinated women (54.1%) reported receiving the vaccine at an obstetrician or gynecologist's office.

Among women with an infant, 45% reported that their infant received the passive immunization Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab). However, the availability of Beyfortus was limited during the 2023–24 RSV season, creating access challenges and clinical confusion.

Overall, 14.2% of infants were protected by both products.

Furthermore, about 50% of pregnant women did not report receiving a provider recommendation for maternal RSV vaccination or nirsevimab, indicating missed opportunities to protect infants from RSV disease.

These researchers wrote this survey's findings 'underscore the importance of a strong provider recommendation for immunization during the 2024-2025 RSV season.'

As of September 27, 2024, the U.S. CDC's latest RSV data indicates the current RSV season has started slowly but is anticipated to peak in December/January 2025.

The CDC encourages at-risk groups to protect themselves against RSV this winter.