RSV Antibody Protection for Infants Now Orderable

The Minnesota Health Department today confirmed that Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab) is available to order via the Minnesota Vaccine for Children (MnVFC).

Beyfortus is the first U.S. FDA-approved extended half-life monoclonal antibody offering passive immunization to infants to prevent lower respiratory tract infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Even though Beyfortus is not a vaccine, the VFC program voted to include it in the VFC available vaccines to help ensure that all MnVFC-eligible children can access it at no cost.

Many Minnesota hospital pharmacies are enrolled in the MnVFC program because they manage vaccines for their co-located clinics.

These hospitals can provide inpatient Beyfortus as part of this program. Still, they may need to adjust their practices to include monitoring inpatient unit refrigerator temperatures and documenting MnVFC eligibility in their records.

Nationwide, Beyfortus is part of the U.S. Vaccines For Children program and will be available for the 23-24 RSV season.

The U.S. CDC says administration will start in early October 2023.

Note that babies born between April and September will receive doses early in fall 2023, in addition to babies born during the RSV season, which runs into 2024.