CDC Rushes Release of Additional RSV Vaccines Amid Shortage and Hospital Strain
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expedited the release of over 77,000 additional doses of the infant drug Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody from Sanofi and AstraZeneca, to address the ongoing shortage of treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the U.S. RSV cases are rising in some parts of the country, and the drug is one of two available treatments that can protect infants from the virus, which is a leading cause of hospitalization among babies. Hospitals and pediatricians have been struggling to stock Beyfortus due to high demand, potentially leaving infants without critical protection. The additional doses will be distributed immediately to physicians and hospitals, with efforts to ensure availability through the end of the year and early 2024.