Research Analyzes Cost-Effectiveness of Two Medications to Prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants

Two studies by the same team of health economists estimate the cost effectiveness of two products used to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants: a maternal vaccination, RSVpreF, and a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, which is an immunization for infants. The studies, “Cost-Effectiveness of Maternal Vaccination to Prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Illness,” and “Cost-Effectiveness of Nirsevimab for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants and Young Children” are published in the December 2024 Pediatrics (published online Nov. 25). Both analyses estimated the products could offer cost savings, noting that respiratory syncytial virus causes substantial hospitalization in U.S. infants and costs society an estimated $472 million per year.  Seasonal maternal vaccination aimed to prevent respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in infants may be cost-effective particularly if given to pregnant persons immediately prior to or at the beginning of the RSV season, according to research. In the study on nirsevimab, researchers simulated healthcare utilization and deaths due to respiratory syncytial virus with and without nirsevimab among infants aged 0-7 months and those 8-19 months old over a single RSV season and found that nirsevimab for infants may reduce 107,253 outpatient visits and 14,341 hospitalizations per year at a cost of $153,517 per quality-adjusted life year saved in the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends nirsevimab in infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season and for children aged 8 through 19 months at increased risk of RSV hospitalization in their second season. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.