High Demand, Low Supply: The Battle Against RSV Continues

CDC Issues Warning due to Shortage of RSV Vaccines for Infants

By Robin Foster and Cara Murez and Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporters

CDC issues alert due to shortage of RSV shots for babies.

It’s a vaccine shortage like no other! The release of a new shot that protects infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has created a frenzy in the healthcare world. Demand for the vaccine, known as nirsevimab or Beyfortus, has skyrocketed, leaving officials with a difficult decision: who gets the limited supply?

In a shocking turn of events, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that nirsevimab be reserved for high-risk infants and those under 6 months old. Dr. Buddy Creech, a pediatrician and president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society, expressed his frustration, saying, “We are going to protect some children from RSV this year. We’re not going to be able to protect as many as we’d hoped, and that’s frustrating.”

So who exactly should receive this sought-after vaccine? Infants with underlying health conditions and those under 6 months old are the lucky ones. Unfortunately, babies aged 8 to 19 months are out of luck and will have to settle for an older medication called palivizumab (Synagis), which requires monthly administrations throughout the RSV season. Talk about a never-ending routine!

But why the sudden scarcity? Beyfortus only received FDA approval this summer, causing a delay in production. It seems the demand far exceeded expectations, leaving many parents and pediatricians scrambling. Some doctors even refused to stock the shots, fearing inadequate insurance reimbursements and making it even harder for parents to locate Beyfortus. It’s a vaccine treasure hunt!

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RSV, the villain of this story, targets the lower lungs, causing congestion that makes it difficult for infants to breathe and eat. It’s no surprise that RSV tops the charts as the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under 1 year old. Last year, a shocking 81% of infants requiring intensive care for RSV had no underlying medical conditions—just full-term innocence shattered by a pesky virus.

Now let’s talk money. The vaccine retails for a whopping $500 per dose! That’s a hefty price tag for a tiny shot. No wonder pediatricians and manufacturers are feeling the pressure. Sanofi, one of the vaccine’s makers, said in a statement, “Demand for this product…has been higher than anticipated.” They’ve had to pause new orders due to the overwhelming demand.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is understandably concerned about the duration of this shortage. Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, expressed disappointment, stating, “We were assured by the manufacturer that supply would not be one of the barriers.” Oh, how the tables have turned!

To make matters even more complicated, the AAP advises against using two 50-mg doses in place of a single 100-mg dose. It seems improvisation is not recommended in the vaccine world. According to the AAP, this combination has not been studied or approved, leaving doctors without a backup plan.

But don’t worry, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The CDC has projected that more doses will become available every 2 to 3 weeks, including both the 50-mg and 100-mg products. Phew! Let’s hope the vaccine fairy delivers on this promise.

In the meantime, pregnant women should receive the new maternal vaccine for RSV, called Abryvso. This not only protects expectant mothers but also shields their precious newborns from the virus. It’s a two-for-one deal that can’t be beaten!

So, dear readers, if you find yourselves in search of the elusive Beyfortus vaccine, fear not. The battle against RSV continues, but we’re confident that with time, supply will catch up to demand. Stay patient, stay informed, and keep those little ones safe from the clutches of RSV!

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health alert, Oct. 23, 2023; CNN

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