Prepare for RSV season

The New Mexico Department of Health announced Oct. 16 that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunizations are available to older adults and pregnant people.

According to a release, RSV activity typically starts to increase in the fall and peaks around December and January.

“It’s very exciting to have RSV vaccines added to the tools we have to stay healthy during the winter,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Department of Health. “Getting immunized now will reduce the chances of having severe disease that could result in hospitalization or death.”

There is also an RSV antibody available for infants, as they are particularly vulnerable to it during their first year. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in New Mexico and the United States.

NMDOH says there are two ways to protect infants from RSV:

1. Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is recommended to people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant from September to January. Maternal antibodies protect newborns against RSV for approximately six months.
2. Infants born during RSV season (October through March) without protection from maternal vaccination should receive RSV antibody (Nirsevimab or Beyfortus) within one week of birth. Babies younger than 8 months old whose mother did not get an RSV vaccine during pregnancy should get an RSV antibody. It provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least five months.

Nirsevimab is also recommended for children 8-19 months old who meet any of the following criteria:

• Born premature with chronic lung disease.

• Severely immunocompromised.

• Severe cystic fibrosis.

• Native Americans and Alaskan natives.

NMDOH added that data from the last respiratory season shows that Nirsevimab was 80-90% effective in preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. No shortages of Nirsevimab are anticipated this year.

For the older New Mexicans who are also at high risk of severe RSV, vaccine is recommended for those older than 75 and for those age 60-pluse with chronic medical conditions. The RSV vaccine for older adults can be given any time, and only one dose is recommended.

If a person received an RSV vaccine last year, they do not need to get another one at this time.

According to the release, RSV vaccines are offered in many locations, including health care provider offices, pharmacies and hospitals. NMHealth encourages those with health insurance to contact their health care provider or pharmacist about getting immunized against RSV. NMHealth offers vaccinations for people without insurance or who are otherwise not able to get vaccinated.

Nirsevimab is covered by the federal Vaccines for Children program, so all children in New Mexico, regardless of insurance status, can receive it.

Patients can find a location with available RSV vaccine at:

• Vaccines.gov
• Vaccines for Children providers in NM
• Vaccines for adults without insurance

Anyone who needs help finding a vaccine or has questions about the vaccine can call the NMHealth Help Line at 1-833-796-8773 (1-833-SWNURSE).