RSV Prevention Update
Based on recent news releases and hospital communications, Tosa Pediatrics is accelerating and expanding its RSV Protection Plan. There are two ways to protect the most vulnerable pediatric patients: vaccinate expecting mothers and immunize high risk infants and children.
If Tosa Pediatrics currently cares for your family and you are an expecting mother, we are offering you the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo by Pfizer. See below for important information.
If you are an expecting mother who does not yet use Tosa Pediatrics, read below.
Certain groups of children are eligible for the RSV immunization, Beyfortus by Sanofi. If you have a child under 1 month of age OR a child under 2 months of age and born prematurely (under 37 weeks), read below.
If you or your child do not currently fall in these three categories, we will provide further information when it becomes available.
This is an incredibly challenging issue due to slow roll out of the Pfizer product by local hospital systems and severe supply shortages by Sanofi. We ask for your patience as we troubleshoot their issues on your behalf.
Expecting mothers already in the Tosa Pediatrics family
Abrysvo is an RSV vaccine given to expecting mothers between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. The vaccine generates an immune response that provides protection for you. This protection is also passed to your baby within 2 weeks. Your baby will be born with protection against RSV for approximately six months and will not need a separate immunization this season.
There is a severe shortage of immunizations for infants that will last through this entire season. Receiving Abrysvo may be the only way to protect your baby from RSV. You may review information about Abrysvo at www.abrysvo.com, visit the CDC guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/public/pregnancy.html or discuss with your OB.
If you are between or approaching 32-36 weeks gestation and would like to receive Abrysvo at Tosa Pediatrics, please complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/232924262994162
Expecting mothers planning to join the Tosa Pediatrics family with a newborn
If you are an expecting mother between or approaching 32-36 weeks gestation and choosing Tosa Pediatrics for your newborn care, contact your OB to find out their timeline on providing Abrysvo. If their timeline of availability falls past your 36th week of gestation, please complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/232924262994162 . You may review information about Abrysvo at www.abrysvo.com, review the CDC guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/public/pregnancy.html or discuss with your OB.
If you have a child under 1 month of age OR under 2 months of age and born prematurely (under 37 weeks)
Given news this week of a severe shortage of the RSV immunization, Beyfortus, for infants, Tosa Pediatrics is prioritizing those at highest risk for RSV complications. We will begin by immediately immunizing those under 1 month of age and those under 2 months of age but born prematurely who are not receiving Synagis while supplies last. (Synagis prevents RSV in premature infants born at 28 weeks and under and in other special circumstances. If your child receives Synagis, there is no need to receive further RSV immunization.) If your infant is under 1 month of age OR is under 2 months of age and was born at less than 37 weeks gestation, please complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/232924315869162 .
While we cannot guarantee we will have inventory, we will place your child on a prioritization list and email you when ready to immunize. To learn more about Beyfortus, go to www.beyfortus.com or review information on the CDC at https://bit.ly/3tM9yWO
Resources:
VIS for beyfortus: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/downloads/immunization-information-statement.pdf
CDC link for RSV in infants and young children: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html
Information regarding shortages: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/26623/Supply-issues-plague-nirsevimab-ordering?autologincheck=redirected
General CDC RSV vaccine VIS: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/rsv.pdf
FDA approval letter abysvo: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-vaccine-pregnant-individuals-prevent-rsv-infants