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To: Maine Immunization Program Providers
From: Maine Immunization Program
Subject: Start of 2024-2025 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Season
Date: September 26, 2024
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Update
for 2024 - 2025 Season
As we enter the 2024 – 2025 RSV season, The Maine Immunization Program (MIP) would like to provide the most up-to-date information and best practices for the 2024-2025 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season for infants and young children as well as pregnant people and older adults. Below is key information to help you prepare.
Important Information for Providers:
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Start Date: Administration of nisevimab (Beyfortus) for infants and young children begins on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. There is no shortage for this RSV season.
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Prioritization: 50 mg doses are prioritized for babies under 5kg at birthing hospitals in Maine. Providers can begin ordering 100 mg doses for children over 5 kg and under 8 months, as well as high-risk infants (8-19 months).
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Pre-Orders: Must be placed separately from other vaccines. Orders combined with others in ImmPact will be denied.
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Remaining Inventory: Nirsevimab from the 2023-2024 season, expiring in 2025, should be used first.
RSV Immunization Recommendations:
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Infants (Under 8 Months): All infants entering their first RSV season should receive a single dose of nirsevimab unless their mother received an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
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Children (8-19 Month): High-risk children, including those born prematurely or with conditions like chronic lung disease or severe immunocompromised, should receive 200 mg before their second RSV season.
 Nirsevimab Storage:
- Store syringes between 36°F to 46°F and use them within 8 hours if stored at room temperature. Discard if not used in time.
Administration with Other Vaccines:
- Nirsevimab can be given alongside routine vaccines, including live vaccines like MMR and Varicella.
Documentation in ImmPact:
- Providers must document administered doses in ImmPact within 5 business days.
- ImmPact will not forecast nirsevimab immunizations, due to the complexity of the ACIP recommended schedule.
Maternal RSV Vaccination (Abrysvo):
- Recommended for pregnant people between 32-36 weeks gestation from September to January to protect their newborns.
RSV Vaccines for Older Adults (60+):
- CDC recommends vaccines for adults aged 60-74 with underlying health conditions and for all adults aged 75 and older. RSV vaccines are not annual. Adults 60 years and older may receive any one of the licensed RSV vaccines (Arexvy by GSK, Abrysvo by Pfizer, and mResvia by Moderna).
- Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.
Preparing for RSV Season:
- Educating staff on RSV immunizations will help prepare your practice for the fall and winter virus season and build trust between you and your patients.
- Multiple studies show health care providers are the most trusted source of health information for their patients. They are in the best position to ensure their patients receive accurate and actionable information, including recommended immunizations.
- Educating patients about the fall and winter virus season toolkit will provide patients with a full set of tools to keep themselves and their families safe from respiratory diseases this season.
Resources:
Handouts/Guides:
For questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or email:ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.
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