Boston Children's Hospital’s Post

I have presented on behalf of the group yesterday our new results about “ Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Burden in Infants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Impact of All- Infant RSV Protection: A Modeling Study”at #ppc2024 in RSV session. - This data is just recently published in Journal of Advances in Therapy as an Original Research. ✍️ Our model estimates that compared to the current SoP, nirsevimab ( long -acting monoclonal Abs against RSV)can confer consistent protection across their first RSV season in all infants regardless of their health status or birth month. Its extended half-life is expected to make the immunization campaign more feasible and acceptable for the public. Therefore, the implementation of a universal nirsevimab immunoprophylaxis strategy in the KSA could alleviate the burden associated with RSV among infants in their first RSV season. 🔗 This is link for the full article : https://lnkd.in/dNTmcddn

How can we protect pediatric patients from the clinical and economic burden of influenza? In honor of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Drs. Jill Foster and Charles Turck are discussing key considerations for preventing pediatric flu. These leading experts explain how influenza among children can overwhelm healthcare systems and families nationwide, emphasizing the potential for vaccination to prevent school absences and reduce the overall burden of flu. They also review CDC and ACIP recommendations for flu vaccination in pediatric patients, examining the use of different vaccines, dosages, and strategies. Don't miss these essential insights on keeping kids and families safe during flu season. Prevent influenza in pediatric patients: https://bit.ly/41aNguE

RSV vaccine uptake low Awareness of RSV's costly impact in the United States is growing, however, and in 2023, the first vaccine for adults ages 65 and older was approved for use in older Americans.  In an editor's note published on the study, Tracy Wang, MD, MHS, a JAMA Internal Medicine associate editor, warns that RSV vaccine uptake among older Americans has been very low, much lower than flu vaccination.  "Prior RSV-related efforts have focused on infants and young children, with many clinicians and patients still unaware of RSV burden of disease and prognosis in older adults," Wang writes. Moreover, RSV vaccines are inconsistently covered by insurance carriers.   "This coverage difference means that many clinic offices need to refer patients to pharmacies for vaccination, and out-of-pocket costs may be necessary for vaccination," she adds. "Vaccine fatigue and access barriers among currently eligible persons need to be addressed to enhance uptake by those who stand to benefit."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip) for the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in neonates and infants born during or entering their first RSV season, and in children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3rPqvzi #FDA #RSV #VaccinationUpdate #HealthyChildren #Wisconsin #ImmunityCommunity #Immunization #IMWI #ImmunizeWI

New COVID data on blood types, excess deaths, EG.5 variant & FDA approved RSV vaccine for babies; "AMA Update covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians, residents, medical students and patients. From private practice and health system leaders to scientists and public health officials, hear from the experts in medicine on COVID-19, medical education, advocacy issues, burnout, vaccines and more."; "Featured topic and speakers The FDA approves an RSV vaccine for infants and vulnerable toddlers, and a new COVID variant emerges. AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, also discusses expectations for another “tripledemic”, the latest COVID death rate and research, and the White House’s new Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy. AMA Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger hosts. Speaker: Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, vice president, science, medicine & public health, American Medical Association: https://lnkd.in/e5_YbEiB

Summary of SIBRO 2024 (Prevention Part) Overview The SIBRO 2024 guidelines focus on the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a major cause of bronchiolitis in children under five years old. The updated guidelines reflect the latest international research, local data, and expert consensus to enhance prevention strategies for RSV in Saudi Arabia. Key Points 1. Importance of RSV Prevention • RSV is highly prevalent among children in Saudi Arabia, with rates varying from 25% to 88%. • Preventative measures are crucial as no effective antiviral treatment exists for RSV. 2. Nonpharmacological Prevention • Hygiene practices are emphasized as cost-effective measures to prevent RSV spread. • Breastfeeding is encouraged to reduce hospitalization risks in infants. • Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is critical, especially for late preterm infants. 3. Pharmacological Prevention • Immunoprophylaxis using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) like palivizumab and nirsevimab is recommended. • Palivizumab is administered monthly during RSV season and is effective in reducing hospitalization rates. • Nirsevimab is a long-acting mAb approved for use in infants, providing protection for at least five months with a single dose. 4. Target Population for mAbs • High-risk infants, including preterm infants, those with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, or immunocompromised conditions, are prioritized for immunoprophylaxis. 5. Administration Guidelines • Timing of administration should align with the RSV season, typically from October to March. • High-risk infants in NICUs should receive mAbs according to the recommended schedule, including a first dose before discharge if applicable. 6. Vaccination Strategies • Maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to infants during their first RSV season. • Vaccination for older adults is also recommended to reduce RSV-related morbidity in this population. 7. Economic and Health Impact • Universal immunization with nirsevimab could significantly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations, healthcare visits, and associated costs in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion The updated SIBRO 2024 guidelines stress the importance of prevention in managing RSV, recommending comprehensive nonpharmacological measures and targeted use of immunoprophylaxis. The guidelines aim to reduce the burden of RSV on the healthcare system and improve health outcomes for high-risk populations.

First maternal vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV) has been approved by Health Canada. The vaccine is based on glycoproteins from 2 major strains of RSV ( bivalent) developed by Pfizer. Mothers can be immunized during late pregnancy to protect their newborn from contracting severe forms of respiratory illness. Clinical data shows a efficacy of 81.8% protectiing severe form of respiratory illnesses during the first 90 days of infant life. The efficacy drops as baby get older indicating the protective antibodiy level wane over time. Will be great aid for healthcare system and as well as relief for mothers. Also room for further developments of better vaccine or alternative approaches to combat RSV. https://lnkd.in/gWm_tyUJ

Effective vaccines for older people and a monoclonal antibody for babies could reduce hospitalizations during the next respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. Q&A: A Yale Medicine pediatric infectious diseases specialist discusses the coming options for adults and kids. #Yale

The FDA granted approval on Monday for the long-awaited RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine, "Abrysvo," suitable for pregnant individuals. Administered between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy, the vaccine safeguards infants against the respiratory virus from birth to 6 months of age. Most children encounter this highly contagious virus by age 2, with young children at elevated risk for severe complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. Studies indicated that the new vaccine could reduce this risk by up to 82%. Previously, prior to vaccine availability, up to 3% of RSV-infected infants required hospitalization, according to the CDC. Treatment included oxygen, IV fluids, and mechanical ventilation. RSV typically presents as common cold symptoms, but severe complications can prove fatal for young children and older adults. The CDC estimates 100 to 300 deaths in children under 5 and 6,000 to 10,000 deaths in people 65 and older annually are associated with RSV. Earlier this year, Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine gained FDA approval for use in older adults. This marks the inaugural year for an antibody shot available after birth, targeting severe RSV prevention in infants under 1. Pfizer's Chief Scientific Officer, Annaliesa Anderson, expressed gratitude to trial participants, investigators, and colleagues, celebrating the achievement of a maternal vaccine to protect infants at their most vulnerable stage. The FDA's approval announcement noted that preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorder, occurred in 1.8% of pregnant Abrysvo recipients versus 1.4% in the placebo group. Additionally, low birth weight and infant jaundice occurred more frequently among pregnant Abrysvo recipients. Studies revealed a 5.7% preterm birth rate among vaccine-receiving pregnant individuals, slightly higher than the 4.7% rate in the placebo group. The FDA termed this a "numerical imbalance" and underscored the need for ongoing monitoring by Pfizer to assess the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth. #health #life #news #rsv #vaccine #abrysvo

Quebec’s INESSS Recommends Beyfortus® for All Infant Protection from RSV Today Quebec joins an ever-increasing number of jurisdictions around the world recognizing the clinical benefits of Beyfortus® to help protect all infants and newborns from RSV. We believe every newborn and infant should have access to this long-lasting, monoclonal antibody, to help protect them from RSV. Did you know about 90% of infants will be infected with RSV by the age of 2(1) and even healthy infants can end up in intensive care due to an RSV infection(2)? This is a small glimpse into the healthcare challenge RSV presents every year with no preventative immunization currently available to protect all infants. We celebrate the INESSS recommendation as the first step towards bringing the protection offered by Beyfortus® to newborns and infants in Quebec. Read the release here: https://lnkd.in/gQ6JdFwj Beyfortus protects babies from getting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in their first season. It may also be given to children less than 2 years of age who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease in their second season. Ask your healthcare professional if Beyfortus is right for your child. Full product information can be found on sanofi.ca 1.      Simoes EAF. Lancet 1999; 354: 847-852 2.      Arriola C et al. (2020) J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc; 9(5): 587-595 and SuppInfo