DENVER — It was supposed to be a big helper in the fight against RSV. But a newly-approved drug meant to prevent the virus in babies and toddlers is now hard to find. Pediatricians say they're having to limit who gets the shot because of low supply.
“We got 20 doses,” said Dr. Manny Rodriguez, a pediatrician at Southeast Denver Pediatrics, which sees thousands of patients.
“We already had a mini-clinic. We were approved to use it Friday. We had a mini-clinic Saturday at noon. Monday – we’re out of most doses already. Just flying off the shelves," he said.
The FDA approved the new drug, Beyfortus (nirsevimab), to prevent RSV in babies and toddlers this summer. It’s a monoclonal antibody.
While also given as a shot, this is different from the RSV vaccine also newly available for adults.
The CDC issued an alert this month, in light of the shortage, advising providers to prioritize infants six months and younger and infants with underlying health conditions above other patients receiving the drug.
“What they’re saying is – let’s put it in first the highest risk patients,” Rodriguez said.
Last year, RSV cases surged and put major pressure on hospital systems. ICU beds were limited, and health systems in Colorado activated the state transfer center.
Children's Hospital Colorado said it’s aligning its distribution of nirsevimab with CDC guidance.
“We have been able to obtain small amounts for administration, and as we seek to expand treatment, we are prioritizing this treatment for infants who at the highest risk as outlined by the CDC,” Dr. Lalit Bajaj, Chief Quality Equity and Outcomes Officer for the hospital, said in an emailed statement.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 66 people have been hospitalized for RSV in Colorado so far this year. Of those, 53 are children. Numbers remain lower than this time last year. The state health department also said ICU bed availability is above average right now, meaning there are more beds available than average.
In an emailed statement, a CDPHE spokesman said:
“CDPHE is aware of supply constraints with the new RSV immunization recommended for all infants and some toddlers who remain at high risk for severe RSV disease. This new immunization is being distributed commercially, as well as through the federal Vaccines for Children program, for children who qualify for this program. Parents and guardians should ask their child’s health care provider if they are offering the new RSV immunization. Also, they should ask if their insurance currently covers it. Those who are pregnant should ask their OB-GYN or healthcare provider about the maternal RSV vaccine, especially in light of the shortage of nirsevimab doses for newborns and infants.”
For now, pediatricians like Rodriguez will just have to wait to restock, and hope this RSV season is kinder on kids than the last.
"The best thing we can do right now is try to prevent high-risk patients from getting infected," he said.
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