The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended rationing nirsevimab, the new monoclonal antibody immunization product designed to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), due to strained supply nationwide. Because the supply challenges are occurring during the RSV season, CDC suggested on Monday in a health alert that providers should prioritize available nirsevimab 100 mg doses for infants of less than 6 months of age and infants with underlying conditions that place them at highest risk for severe RSV disease. The pharma company Sanofi, which gained approval for nirsevimab in July, acknowledged that unprecedented demand outpaced initial supplies of the new product.
Track the trends: RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization of young infants, and the CDC alert comes at a time when RSV activity is on the increase. Surveillance trends are updated frequently on the CDC website.