Increasing Number of Children Require Hospitalization Due to RSV; New Vaccine Offers Possible Solution
Increasing Number of Children Require Hospitalization Due to RSV; New Vaccine Offers Possible Solution
The activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is on the rise in the USA, as per the most recent weekly reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This increase in viral activity has led to an uptick in hospitalizations among children across numerous regions of the country.
A United States-based research, published in November 2024, revealed that a recently authorized vaccine named nirsevimab was 80% effective in preventing hospitalizations among non-immunocompromised individuals aged 60 and above. Moreover, the phase 3 trial data reported in the autumn showed that nirsevimab decreased RSV hospitalizations by 77% in healthy full-term and near-full-term infants.
RSV is the second-highest cause of fatalities among children under the age of five globally, surpassed only by malaria. This age group experiences around 118,000 RSV-related deaths annually. In the United States, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalizations among infants, with 57,000 such cases reported each year and between 100 and 300 deaths resulting from the virus.
The Food and Drug Administration granted approval to nirsevimab in July 2023. This drug is a long-lasting monoclonal antibody, designed for preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Unlike traditional vaccines, nirsevimab offers passive immunization. Instead of the body producing antibodies after an injection, the antibodies are already present in the vaccine.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC suggested using nirsevimab in August 2023 for infants below eight months in order to shield against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections throughout their initial RSV season, and for children aged eight to nineteen months who are at a higher risk of severe RSV illness due to underlying conditions.
The CDC data indicated that the vaccine is 90% effective in preventing hospitalization in infants under eight months old. As of now, the CDC estimates that around 50% of infants in the United States are protected against RSV through either the direct administration of nirsevimab or maternal vaccination.
Authorities in the United Kingdom authorized the use of nirsevimab in 2022. Subsequently, it has been employed across the National Health Service since 2023. In European countries like France, the vaccine is also being administered. Real-world evidence suggests that the hospital admissions of children suffering from RSV in these nations have dropped by more than 80%.
Lack of availability of nirsevimab alongside high RSV incidence can exert pressure on hospital capacity, as suggested by a Dutch report released yesterday. As a result, Dutch hospitals have suspended certain child procedures, such as heart operations, to cope with the high number of RSV cases. The seven pediatric ICUs in the country currently house a substantial number of children with severe respiratory problems due to RSV, nearing their capacity limits with approximately half of their 90 beds already occupied by RSV patients. This occupancy is expected to surge further as the virus has yet to reach its peak.
Last year, the Dutch government's Health Council suggested providing all Dutch infants with nirsevimab during their initial year of life. Regrettably, the vaccine still remains unavailable in the country. Health officials anticipate making it accessible to as many parents as possible once it becomes available this year, hoping to prevent around 80% of hospital admissions among infants and toddlers.
- The Dutch RIVM reported that the lack of nirsevimab availability and high RSV incidence are putting pressure on hospital capacity, leading to the suspension of certain child procedures.
- In the Netherlands, health officials are eagerly anticipating the availability of nirsevimab this year, hoping to prevent 80% of hospital admissions among infants and toddlers due to RSV through its administration.
- According to the CDC, the nirsevimab vaccine is highly effective in preventing hospitalizations among infants under eight months, reducing the risk by 90%.
- RSV-related hospitalizations among healthy full-term and near-full-term infants decreased by 77% in phase 3 trial data due to the administration of the nirsevimab vaccine.