"CDC Approves RSV Shot for Infants, Boosting Prevention Efforts"

The CDC is recommending a new immunization called nirsevimab to protect infants under eight months and some older babies at increased risk of severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody product developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi, has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalizations and healthcare visits for infants by around 80%. RSV is a common cause of childhood respiratory illness, with thousands of children hospitalized and hundreds dying from it each year. The CDC recommends the immunization for infants during their first RSV season and for a smaller group of children in their second season. The drug is expected to be available in the fall and will be covered by insurance, costing $495 per dose.