Nirsevimab More Popular Than Rsv Vaccinations During Pregnancy

Nirsevimab, a product that provides preventive antibodies to immunize newborns against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), was more popular among families than RSV vaccines for pregnant women, according to a study. During the 2023 respiratory season, both nirsevimab and a maternal RSV vaccine were made available. The study, “Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunization Coverage in the Vaccine Safety Datalink: 2023-24,” is published in the June 2025 Pediatrics (published online May 6). Researchers analyzed data from ten Vaccine Safety Datalink health systems and found that families from all racial groups and ethnicities preferred to have newborns receive antibodies after birth rather than have mothers get vaccinated during pregnancy. Age of the mother was also a factor with the youngest group of mothers, aged 12 to 17, most likely to immunize their infants at over 81%. The oldest group, mothers aged 50 – 55, were less likely to immunize their children with nirsevimab with a rate of approximately 64%. Beyond these two groups, the likelihood of immunization increased as the mothers' age did. The likelihood of pregnant women receiving the maternal vaccine also increased with age. When considering both immunization methods, 72% of the newborns studied were immunized against RSV. Disparities remained, especially among infants born to Non-Hispanic Black and Middle Eastern North African mothers. Authors state that further research is needed, as shortages in the 2023-24 season caused delays in the roll out of the new products. They also say further research can help to better understand disparities among certain populations to help protect the more than 25% of eligible infants that were not immunized.

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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.