Title: New Drug Recommended to Protect Infants Against Life-Threatening Respiratory Virus
McCreary County Record
US health officials have advised that a newly approved drug should be administered to infants as a preventive measure against a respiratory virus known as RSV. This virus poses a serious health risk to infants and the elderly, with no available vaccines for babies. The drug, developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi, is slated to be available in the fall, prior to the RSV season that typically runs from November to March.
RSV, although typically a mild illness for most healthy individuals, can be life-threatening for infants. Each year, approximately 58,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized for RSV in the US, with several hundred deaths reported. Recognizing the urgent need for better protection against RSV, an expert panel of advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended a one-time shot of the newly developed drug for infants born just before or during the RSV season. The panel also advised giving a dosage to infants under 8 months old before the start of the season and certain 8-19 month-olds at higher risk of severe illness.
The CDC director has approved the panel’s recommendations, acknowledging the necessity for innovative solutions to safeguard infants from RSV. Marketed as Beyfortus, the drug is anticipated to be priced at $495 per dose and will be covered by insurance. However, initial challenges could arise in terms of administering the shot and obtaining reimbursement from insurers.
Apart from this groundbreaking drug, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved two RSV vaccines specifically for older adults. In August, a decision is expected to be made regarding the approval of another vaccine for pregnant women.
Although the newly developed drug is not a vaccine, the expert panel advises its inclusion in the government’s free immunization program, Vaccines for Children. Emphasizing the urgency, the American Academy of Pediatrics is also urging hospitals to stock Beyfortus for newborns during the RSV season.
The availability of this new drug marks a significant development in the fight against RSV. With infants being particularly vulnerable, the health officials’ recommendation to administer this drug will hopefully reduce hospitalizations and fatalities caused by RSV. The upcoming fall season presents an opportunity for parents to protect their babies against this respiratory virus that continues to threaten thousands of American children each year.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”