Preventive Medication Nirsevimab Was Highly Effective at Protecting Children from Severe RSV Illness, Study Finds

In 2023-2024, the preventive medicine called nirsevimab was highly effective at protecting young children against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, a new study found. Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody approved for children under two years old. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found nirsevimab to be 89% effective at preventing RSV infections requiring outpatient medical care and 93% effective at preventing RSV hospitalizations. Nirsevimab was one of two drugs authorized to prevent RSV in children ahead of last year’s respiratory virus season. The second medication is Abrysvo, a vaccine given to the pregnant mothers who pass on their immunity to their baby through in the womb.