Fast-track RSV immunization approvals, before the next wave hits

As a pediatrician, I know that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant problem that, despite affecting millions of children annually, is frequently ignored. RSV is a highly infectious respiratory illness that produces symptoms that can range from a mild cold to extreme breathing difficulties, and is particularly acute among infants and the elderly. Regardless of its widespread occurrence, many Nevadans are unaware of the risks posed by RSV.

The virus is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants under age 1 in the United States, sending up to 80,000 children to the emergency room every year. Last year, a month into RSV season, 4 in every 1,000 babies under 6 months old were hospitalized due to RSV.

Last year in Nevada, we experienced a relentless RSV season. In October of 2022 alone, more than 1,200 cases of RSV were reported compared with only 1,100 RSV cases reported in all of 2021. This dramatic increase in RSV cases led to hospitals struggling with a shortage of pediatric beds across the state.

My practice alone saw over 500 children with the RSV infection in the past six months. One of my young patients was hospitalized due to RSV, respiratory distress and hypoxia. He needed to stay in the hospital for four days to wean off oxygen to successfully be released home. Some infants and children that are admitted to the pediatric ICU due to respiratory distress and hypoxia require intubation, IV fluids and other extensive medical modalities to save the child’s life. Given how unpredictable and potentially life-threatening RSV is, pediatricians will welcome new treatment options against RSV that can save the lives of countless children.

Fortunately, we have a solution here in the United States, but we need leaders to act expeditiously. Scientists have developed new immunization treatments against RSV and several companies have submitted these immunizations for review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several of these immunizations have already been approved in Europe.

The FDA and CDC should take this opportunity to add these immunizations to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ agenda so they can be licensed and recommended to protect infants against RSV before the next season hits.

We know that the impact of RSV goes beyond the individual. The virus can spread rapidly in communities, leading to outbreaks that can strain health care systems and cause widespread disruptions. This is particularly concerning in low and middle-income communities, where access to health care and resources is more limited.

That’s why I am also urging the Biden administration to make these immunizations accessible to all families through the Vaccines for Children Program and coverage through the Affordable Care Act. It is imperative that the federal government take RSV seriously and take the steps necessary to fully address the impact of RSV.

We don’t know what we can expect from another hard-hitting season, but together we can work toward reducing the impact of RSV and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all children.