Anita S. Henderson, MD, Discusses RSV Shot Shortage
Anita S. Henderson, MD, a pediatrician at Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic, spoke with ABC News regarding the new RSV shot for babies and why pediatricians are concerned about the rollout.
In July of this year, a new antibody shot called nirsevimab was approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help protect infants against RSV, a common respiratory virus that hospitalizes and kills hundreds of children.
Unfortunately, a shortage of the shot has left babies unprotected and pediatricians disappointed. The CDC is working with the shot’s manufacturer and state health agencies to try to find a solution, but there is still a lack of adequate supply.
“We are frustrated. Pediatricians are frustrated by this constant change [of recommendations], inequitable access and the lack of availability,” Dr. Henderson said.
A new recommendation by the CDC ensures that vulnerable children, typically those age six months or younger, be prioritized. While that is good news for some families, it still leaves children older than six months at risk.
“[Parents] are calling our offices or sending us messages daily and weekly asking for this product,” Henderson said. “We want to give it to their babies, but we are unable in some situations, in some instances, to get that supply.”
For more on the shot shortage, follow the link to read the full article: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/critics-fumbled-rollout-brand-new-rsv-shot-babies/story?id=104815441
