Infants Incorrectly Given Adult RSV Vaccines

According to a statement issued today by the Minnesota Department of Health, healthcare providers should not inadvertently give infants adult respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.

As of November 20, 2023, the U.S. CDC has received several reports of this happening when the infant should have received Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab-alip), the first U.S. FDA approved extended half-life monoclonal antibody (mAb) offering passive immunization to prevent lower respiratory tract infections caused by the RSV. 

Vaccine providers who carry both Beyfortus and RSV vaccines (Abrysvo or Arexvy) should be especially diligent in following vaccine administration safety procedures to prevent errors.

To minimize the risk of errors, store RSV vaccines and mAb in their original packaging on different shelves and clearly label them.

If an RSV vaccine is administered to an infant, immediately inform the provider and the parent/guardian of the error.

Furthermore, promptly report the error to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System - (www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/vaers/index.html).  

And send an email to [email protected] for guidance on the next steps.