Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Optimal implementation of an Ontario nirsevimab program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis:
Bosco Paes1, Vivien Brown2, Erin Courtney3
1Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University & Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Insights
Nirsevimab effectively reduced severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants during its first season. Recommendations were developed for optimal nirsevimab program implementation in Ontario for broad infant protection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant hospitalization.
- Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody for infant RSV prophylaxis.
- Ontario sought to implement a broad infant prophylaxis program.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss nirsevimab program implementation in Ontario.
- To review international nirsevimab program experiences and impact.
- To develop recommendations for optimal nirsevimab uptake and protection.
Main Methods:
- Expert panel meeting in June 2024.
- Review of 2023/2024 RSV season nirsevimab programs in Spain, France, and the US.
- Assessment of nirsevimab's impact on severe RSV disease, hospital resources, and costs.
- Review of a 2024 Ontario healthcare provider survey on program implementation.
Main Results:
- Nirsevimab demonstrated impact in reducing severe RSV disease in infants.
- International experiences provided insights into best practices.
- Healthcare provider survey highlighted implementation considerations for Ontario.
Conclusions:
- Consensus reached on recommendations for nirsevimab administration in Ontario.
- Focus on achieving optimal uptake for maximum infant protection against RSV.
- Informed programmatic decisions for a provincial infant prophylaxis strategy.
Abstract:
In June 2024, a group of 12 experts in the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) field representing a cross-section of healthcare provider types who treat and care for pregnant individuals and infants, assembled to discuss the implementation of a broad infant prophylaxis program with nirsevimab in Ontario. To gain insight on potential best practices founded on the experiences of other jurisdictions, the meeting comprised a review of the 2023/2024 RSV season programs in Spain, France, and the United States that implemented nirsevimab prophylaxis. The impact of nirsevimab in reducing severe RSV disease among infants during the first RSV season was assessed including the implications on hospital resources and healthcare system costs. The panel also reviewed the results of a 2024 online survey of healthcare providers in the province to gain insight into how the program should be implemented in Ontario to facilitate uptake in infants born during and before the onset of the RSV season. The resulting discussion led to panel consensus on several recommendations to help inform programmatic decisions regarding how nirsevimab should be administered to infants in Ontario to achieve optimal uptake and best protection against this potentially devastating infectious disease.
