Skip to content

New Vaccinations for RSV

The watchlist

CHECK WITH YOUR PERSONAL PHARMACIST WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

AdobeStock_619940473When do you call your Personal Pharmacist?

When you or your client has any questions you’d like answered by a pharmacist.
We are medication experts and are here to help you.  Pharmacist:  814-297-9960

 



New Vaccinations for RSV
Current recommendations could impact adults 60 years of age and older and infants

What Are These Vaccines? 

The first two approved vaccines approved for preventing symptomatic RSV lower respiratory tract disease are, Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer). They are both approved for adults 60 year of age and older as a single-dose vaccination to prevent the morbidity associated with RSV in this population. 

Arexvy (GSK), approved May 2023 Abrysvo (Pfizer), approved May 2023, FDA-approved for pregnant women August 2023


Important update: As of September 22, 2023, “the CDC recommends the RSV vaccine during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect babies from severe RSV.”



What is the projected cost? 

The estimated cost of these vaccines are around
$350 per vaccine. Some additional costs, such as administration cost may not be included in this
estimate. 

Direct costs associated with hospitalisation from
severe RSV ranged from $8,000- $60,000.


 What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? 

RSV is a relatively common virus that usually
presents with mild cold-like symptoms. Generally,
the virus can be treated with symptom
management.
Two populations may develop more serious
illness from RSV and may require hospitalization.  

Reducing risk of complications of RSV in these two populations can save the health plan in the costs
associated with escalated care (hospitalizations,
additional infections, sick leave, etc.

Please note:   It is important to recognize the signs
and symptoms and notify your healthcare provider
If you feel that you or a child needs to be seen. 

Follow this link for more information


Who is eligible for these vaccines?

  • Adults 60 years of age or older
    • Especially those who have chronic heart or
      lung disease or those with a weakened immune system.
  • Pregnant women (during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy)

 

 


In summary, these vaccines can reduce the associated escalation of care needed in severe RSV as well as the costs of
hospital admissions and critical care for both populations. These vaccines are available at local pharmacies and will likely
be very popular among individuals this season.


Monoclonal Antibodies for RSV
Meant to protect children from severe RSV

What Are These Monoclonal Antibodies? 

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and palivizumab (Synagis)he are two monoclonal antibody products approved for use in babies and children to protect against severe disease from an RSV infection. These are NOT VACCINES. While they do provide protection against infection, their efficacy is not long-standing and it is not recommended to give if a child already has an RSV infection. While individual treatment may be subject to variation and provider guidance, the following has been recommended by the CDC:

  • Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) (approved July 2023)  is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months born during, or entering their first RSV season. One dose can offer protection for five months. Additionally, this product is recommended for some young children (ages 8-19 months) who are at increased risk of severe RSV. 
  • Palivizumab (Synagis) can be given monthly to children under 24 months of age at high risk of
    severe RSV disease.


What is the projected cost? 

The mean cost for one RSV-related hospitalization was estimated to be of $8,910 by the National Institutes of Health.

  • Nirsevimab (Beyfortus)
    Approximate costs are $495/dose of 50mg and
    100mg doses and $990/dose for 200mg doses.
  • Palivizumab (Synagis) 
    Approximately $1,661/dose for infants younger
    than 6 months. Some costs can be as high of $258


Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in young children


RSV is a relatively common virus that usually presents with mild cold-like symptoms. Statistically, most children are already exposed to RSV by the age of two. 

In young children and infants, it can be difficult to breathe with RSV, and there is concern around this. RSV is serious, causing childhood respiratory illness, hospitalization, and in some cases death. 

The CDC has issued recommendations for all children to have access to these preventative therapies.



Please note:   It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and notify your healthcare provider
if you feel that you or a child needs to be seen. 

Follow this link for more information

 


In summary, these products can help protect an extremely vulnerable population and provide something priceless,
the health and well-being of a child.

 

 

814.297.9960  •  help@personalpharmacist.com  •  www.personalpharmacist.com
, ,