Parents, you may be hearing that hospitals and pediatrician offices in your area have a shortage or limited supply of the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shot for infants. But with thousands more infant doses on the way, they should soon be more readily available.
The RSV immunization, called nirsevimab, was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics in the fall 2023. The immunization helps prevent serious RSV infection in babies who are at the most risk. This was exciting news since we know that RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under age 1 year.
Is there still a shortage of the RSV shot for babies?
During the 2023-2024 RSV season, most of the U.S. has been affected by a limited supply of nirsevimab. Many pediatricians found they were not able to order it or could only order a limited supply.
Recently, the CDC announced that more doses of nirsevimab are expected to become available and everyone who is eligible should get it right away. However, you should know that some communities have it while others do not.
Here's the latest information you need to know about this new RSV shot for babies.
Does my baby need the RSV shot?
Nirsevimab is recommended for infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during—or who are entering—their first RSV season. Nirsevimab is also recommended for some children age 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
If nirsevimab is still in short supply in your community, it will be offered to infants and toddlers who are at the most risk of serious illness from RSV. This includes babies who:
- Identify as American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and are younger than age 8 months.
- Are age 6 through 7 months and have an existing medical condition that places them at highest risk of serious illness from RSV.
- Are age 8 through 19 months and identify as AI/AN and live in a remote region.
- Weigh less than 11 pounds.
- Are younger than 6 months old and weigh more than 11 pounds.
Here are some other ways to keep babies healthy this RSV season.
What can I do to protect my baby if they can't get an RSV shot?
If you are pregnant and your baby will be born during RSV season, you can get an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) at any time between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. When you get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, you pass the antibodies to your baby, so they are protected after they are born. It takes about 14 days for the immune protection from the vaccine to pass through the placenta to your baby.
If your baby or toddler is at higher risk from RSV, they may be eligible for a different RSV immunization called palivizumab.
Additional ways to help protect your baby from RSV and other colds include washing your hands and minimizing time in or exposure to indoor crowds.
Remember
Pediatricians are eager to have new and better ways to protect their youngest patients from severe RSV infection, hospitalization and death.
Next RSV season, we hope all infants and toddlers who need it have access to the new immunization. Parents will have a choice in how they protect their babies: RSV vaccine during pregnancy or the immunization for their baby after they are born. Talk with your pediatrician about ways to prevent serious illness from RSV.
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