Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2025
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunization Coverage in the Vaccine Safety Datalink: 2023-2024
Stephanie A Irving1, Bradley Crane1, Eric S Weintraub2
1Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon.
Insights
In 2023, 72% of infants received protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) through vaccination or monoclonal antibodies. However, significant racial and ethnic disparities in RSV immunization coverage were identified, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- In 2023, new recommendations were issued for infant protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- These recommendations include Abrysvo vaccine during pregnancy or nirsevimab monoclonal antibody for infants.
- The goal is to prevent severe illness in infants caused by RSV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of infants immunized against RSV.
- To assess immunization rates through antenatal vaccination or nirsevimab.
- To identify disparities in RSV immunization coverage among different demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 10 Vaccine Safety Datalink health systems.
- Identified eligible pregnancies and live births (≥32 weeks gestation) from September 2023 to March 2024.
- Assessed infant RSV immunization status via electronic health records and registry data, stratifying by race, ethnicity, age, and birth month.
Main Results:
- A total of 36,949 infants were included in the study.
- Overall RSV immunization coverage was 72%.
- Significant disparities observed: 84% for non-Hispanic Asian infants vs. 60% for non-Hispanic Black or Middle Eastern/North African infants. Nirsevimab use varied by birth month.
Conclusions:
- 72% of infants in the study population were immunized against RSV.
- While overall coverage is substantial, significant disparities by race and ethnicity necessitate urgent attention.
- Targeted strategies are required to ensure equitable access to RSV prevention for all infants.
Background And Objectives:
In 2023, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended either Abrysvo, a vaccine administered during pregnancy, or nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody administered to infants after birth, to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Our objective was to assess the proportion of infants immunized against RSV through antenatal RSV vaccination or receipt of nirsevimab among linked pregnancy-infant dyads.
Methods:
Using data from 10 Vaccine Safety Datalink health systems and a validated algorithm, we identified pregnant women aged 12 to 55 years with a live birth of 32 weeks' gestation or more from September 22, 2023, through March 31, 2024. We identified RSV vaccination using electronic health records supplemented with immunization information system (registry) data. Among infants from eligible pregnancies, we identified nirsevimab administered through March 31, 2024. We assessed infant RSV immunization, defined as exposure to antenatal RSV vaccination or receipt of nirsevimab, stratified by race and ethnicity, age, and birth month.
Results:
A total of 36 949 eligible infants were included from 43 722 pregnancies. Overall, 72% of infants were immunized against RSV; estimates were highest among infants born to non-Hispanic (NH) Asian mothers (84%). Disparities were identified by race, with 60% coverage among infants born to NH Black or NH Middle Eastern or North African mothers. Coverage was 59% to 78% by birth month, with nirsevimab more commonly administered to infants born earlier in the season.
Conclusions:
In this population of infants, 72% were immunized against RSV. Although overall coverage was high, disparities in immunization by race and ethnicity are a call to action.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...