Massachusetts Extends RSV Immunizations for Infants through April

To reduce infants' risk of hospitalization from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), health care providers should continue administration of RSV monoclonal antibody immunizations through the end of April, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on March 24.

The typical administration of the immunization is from October through March 31. The current RSV season began later than usual and is continuing further into the spring, DPH said.

"RSV continues to circulate at meaningful levels later into the spring than we typically see," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "Public health guidance must reflect the reality of the moment."

Infants who are younger than 8 months of age should receive the immunization if their mother was unvaccinated during pregnancy or vaccinated within 14 days of their birth. Additionally, children aged 8 to 19 months who have increased risk for severe RSV disease - such as those who were born premature, have chronic lung disease, are severely immunocompromised, or have cystic fibrosis - should also receive RSV immunization.

"RSV remains the leading cause of serious respiratory tract infection in infants, and too many young children still are at risk of preventable hospitalization," said Larry Madoff, MD, Medical Director of DPH's Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. "We have a safe, effective way to reduce that risk, and extending access now will help to protect more infants while RSV continues to circulate," he said. Dr. Madoff added that recommendations will be adjusted as necessary based on real-time data in the Commonwealth's communities.

RSV vaccination is also recommended for adults aged 75 and over and those aged 50 to 74 with certain underlying conditions. However, RSV vaccination for adults can be administered year-round, in contrast to infant immunization, which is seasonal.

RSV symptoms often begin as a mild illness, similar to a cold, but it can lead to serious conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Thanks to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.

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