Fox Valley faces shortage of RSV shot for babies as respiratory illness season begins
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APPLETON - As the country faces a nationwide shortage of the newly approved RSV shot for infants, babies may not be able to get the shot for the rest of the respiratory illness season this year in the Fox Valley.
It is the first year an RSV immunization is available to babies. Here's what you need to know about the shot and its supply.
Who is eligible for a RSV shot?
This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended three different RSV immunizations to offer protection against the virus for babies and older adults, who are both more likely to have a severe form of infection.
Elderly: Adults age 60 and older can get one of two RSV vaccines — Arexvy or Abrysvo. The Food and Drug Administration approved both of the single-dose vaccines in May. The two vaccines trigger an immune response in the body to produce antibodies to defend against an infection.
Pregnant women: The FDA also approved the Abrysvo vaccine for pregnant people that can be administered during late pregnancy to help prevent RSV in newborns. The antibodies that are produced are passed on to the fetus through the placenta to offer protection.
Infants: A new RSV protective therapy, called nirsevimab, was also approved to provide protection for infants. Nirsevimab — also known by its brand name Beyfortus — is a monoclonal antibody shot that was going to be administered in the fall before the 2023-2024 respiratory illness season. Studies have shown nirsevimab reduces the risk of severe RSV infection by about 80%. The CDC recommended the single shot for babies younger than eight months and kids between eight and 19 months who have an increased risk of severe RSV and entering their second RSV season.
Can I make an appointment to get the RSV shot for my baby in the Fox Valley?
No, not right now.
Nirsevimab is already in short supply around the country. Sanofi, the pharmaceutical company that developed the drug along with AstraZeneca, said in a statement that supply of the shot wasn't able to keep with its high demand. Due to the shortage, the CDC updated its guidelines and said physicians should prioritize giving available doses to babies at highest risk of severe RSV.
Doses of the shot are not available in the Fox Valley region and pediatricians don't know when they will become available again.
It's likely parents will need to wait until the next season to get a shot, said Dr. Sharon Rink, a pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians-Darboy.
"This is due to the production of the immunization, not for lack of want," Rink said.
More: There's a shortage of RSV shots for babies. See the CDC's new guidance on who can get them
Are there RSV cases in the Fox Valley?
The drug shortage comes as RSV cases begin to rise in northeastern Wisconsin. Kids have already starting coming into Rink's clinics.
A few infants tested positive for RSV in October and cases are "ramping up pretty well" now, Rink said.
In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in the winter. However, cases spiked earlier in the fall last year and the season has begun earlier this year too, Rink said. Cases of RSV surged in the Green Bay and Fox Valley region at the same time last year in November.
Since October, RSV cases have started increasing again statewide, according to a November report from the state Department of Health Services.
Why is RSV on the rise again?
Doctors are not surprised RSV cases have surged during the respiratory illness season since the pandemic.
Infants and children had protection during the early years of the pandemic because of social distancing and masking. Now the virus is ramping up since people are back together again.
"I always say COVID really upset the balance of the universe," Rink said.
What preventive measures can I take?
RSV is easily transmitted through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes and can survive on hard surfaces for many hours. While the virus typically appears as a common cold in adults, children and babies are at risk for more severe complications and may need hospitalization.
Symptoms can appear four to six days after getting infected. They can include a runny nose with clear drainage, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. But they could lead to difficulty breathing, dehydration, an inability to produce tears while crying, bronchiolitis or pneumonia in young infants.
Pediatricians, including Rink, are emphasizing frequent handwashing and keeping up with regular childhood and influenza immunizations as we get further into the season of respiratory illness.
Are the RSV vaccines for seniors still available?
Yes, Arexvy or Abrysvo are still available locally for adults in Wisconsin. Talk to your physician before making an appointment.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: RSV shot for infants likely not available in Fox Valley
