Dear Childhood Vaccine Program Providers and Immunization Partners, 

Congratulations, you did it! Thanks to your commitment and partnership, over 5,500 doses of expiring RSV vaccine (nirsevimab)—valued at $2.3 million—were successfully redistributed and used, preventing waste and helping protect the financial sustainability of Washington’s universal Childhood Vaccine Program. This remarkable accomplishment reflects your dedication, teamwork, and shared commitment to keeping Washington’s children protected. 

We know this was not easy. Many of you shared feedback about the challenges of nirsevimab ordering restrictions, transfer processes, and time delays, and we want you to know, we’ve heard you. Your feedback has guided improvements in coordination and communication, helping us work more efficiently together. 

Together we saved thousands of RSV doses; over 500 transfers were successfully completed. Kudos to the clinics, tribes, and LHJs who worked together to share product regionally. This achievement reflects the strong partnership between the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), and the Washington Vaccine Association (WVA), all working together to reduce vaccine waste and ensure sustainable access to life-saving RSV protection for infants. 

Current Status: Ordering for RSV product (nirsevimab) opened statewide on October 8, 2025. Providers will continue to have the opportunity to order at least weekly. DOH continues to monitor orders closely, and we expect the process to become smoother moving forward. 

Goal: Our goal is to use all RSV product by the end of the season on March 31 so that no doses are held over to next fall. Please remember that whenever product is close to expiring, it should be posted for transfer at least four weeks before expiration to help ensure it is fully utilized. 

Next Steps to Continue Our Success:   

• Order responsibly – small quantities, more often, and only what you will use. 

• Prioritize use of short-dated vaccines first. 

• Advertise expiring doses on the Vaccine Advertisement page in the IIS. 

• Ensure proper storage safeguards, especially during extreme weather or power outages. 

• Please refer to our previous communication for current RSV vaccine ordering guidance, schedules, and caps. 

Once again, thank you for your dedication, patience, and hard work. Your partnership helps us reduce waste, maximize access, and protect the sustainability of this vital public health program. 

For assistance with vaccine transfers, see the Vaccine Transfer Checklist and FAQs. Additional information on vaccine ordering, returns, and vaccine choice can be found here. You can also contact us anytime at WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov.  

Together, we’re ensuring every baby in Washington has access to RSV protection; thank you for being such essential partners in this effort. 

With appreciation,