Palivizumab immunoprophylaxis is recommended for which population to reduce hospitalization from RSV?

Palivizumab immunoprophylaxis is recommended for which population to reduce hospitalization from RSV?

• A. Palivizumab is recommended for the first year of life during RSV season to reduce hospitalization
• B. A vaccine for RSV is given annually
• C. Palivizumab is recommended for all newborns
• D. No prophylaxis is recommended

Answer: (A)

Palivizumab provides temporary, passive immunity against RSV by giving high-risk infants monthly antibodies during the RSV season. It’s not a vaccine given to all newborns; instead, it’s targeted to infants in their first year of life who are at high risk for severe RSV disease (such as very preterm infants or those with certain heart or lung conditions). The goal is to reduce RSV-related hospitalizations during the season. Because of this targeted, seasonal approach, the description of administering palivizumab in the first year of life during RSV season to lower hospitalization risk best fits its use. There isn’t a routine annual RSV vaccine for healthy newborns, and universal prophylaxis isn’t recommended.

Palivizumab provides temporary, passive immunity against RSV by giving high-risk infants monthly antibodies during the RSV season. It’s not a vaccine given to all newborns; instead, it’s targeted to infants in their first year of life who are at high risk for severe RSV disease (such as very preterm infants or those with certain heart or lung conditions). The goal is to reduce RSV-related hospitalizations during the season. Because of this targeted, seasonal approach, the description of administering palivizumab in the first year of life during RSV season to lower hospitalization risk best fits its use. There isn’t a routine annual RSV vaccine for healthy newborns, and universal prophylaxis isn’t recommended.