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When it Comes to RSV, You Call the Shots

Date: 12/12/23

You Can Help Protect Your Patients and Your Community Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus

You have the best interest of your patients at heart. More than that, you have their trust. Your patients trust you more than any other source when it comes to vaccines. And your recommendation is the most effective way to ensure they get the ones they need.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of childhood respiratory illness in the United States, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths per year. Infants six months and younger are at highest risk. Prevention is essential to combat the severity of RSV. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved, and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommends maternal RSV vaccine and the infant RSV monoclonal antibody providing two opportunities to protect against the negative side-effects of RSV.

Maternal RSV Vaccination (Abrysvo)

Pfizer’s bivalent RSVpreF vaccine, Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine approved for use during pregnancy.

  • A single injection given to pregnant individuals at 32 weeks through 36 weeks gestational age have shown reduction in severe RSV infection in infants by 81% within 90 days of life, and 69% within 180 days of life.
  • Should be given seasonally, September through January.
  • May administer with other vaccines recommended during pregnancy, such as flu, COVID-19, and Tdap.
  • Provides protection for infant if maternal vaccination occurred at least 14 days prior to birth.

·        Common side effects include injection site pain, headache, muscle pain, and nausea.

Infant RSV Monoclonal Antibody (Nirsevimab)

For the 2023-2024 RSV season, there are known supply shortages of Nirsevimab. In areas with shortages, guidance is to encourage maternal RSV vaccination as an alternative.

  • A single intramuscular injection for infants younger than 8 months of age born during or entering into their first RSV season to prevent severe RSV disease.
  • Available for infants if maternal RSV not given or if vaccine was given but delivery occurred prior to 34 weeks gestation.
  • The RSV vaccine has shown an 80% reduction in RSV-related healthcare visits and hospitalizations.

Want to Learn More?

Click here to access the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Recommendations for Use of Nirsevimab for the Prevention of RSV Among Infants and Young Children.

Click here to view the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) clinical guidance on Maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination.

Contact your provider relations team for additional information and answers to coding and billing requirements.

Thank you for being a valued partner in caring for the health and well-being of our members. If you have any questions about the information above or need information and answers to coding and billing requirements, contact your Provider Relations representative at 1-800-222-9831. If you are unsure who your representative is, please email us at WI_Provider_Relations@mhswi.com.