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One in Three Infants Received Preventive RSV Antibody in First Season, Study Finds

Insurance uncertainties limit uptake of the RSV antibody ahead of the 2025–26 season.

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Overview

  • A Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia study of 7,208 infants in 32 Pennsylvania and New Jersey practices found only 35% received nirsevimab during the 2023–24 RSV season.
  • Infants who were publicly insured, Black, or from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods had the lowest uptake despite nirsevimab cutting hospitalization risk by 80%.
  • Preliminary unpublished data indicate second-season uptake climbed to about 67%, but racial and economic gaps remain significant.
  • The CDC recommends a single dose of Beyfortus for otherwise healthy infants under eight months between October and March to prevent severe RSV.
  • Researchers urge clearer insurance coverage guidance, targeted outreach and system-level interventions to boost equitable access before the next RSV season.