Respiratory virus season is getting ready to kick off and with that comes planning for respiratory virus vaccinations. As you are planning, please keep in mind that all VFC providers must carry all ACIP recommended vaccines for patients that are served, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV products. This policy, which is part of the federal VFC program, ensures that all VFC eligible children have access to these vaccines in their medical home. The information below provides important updates and reminders for all respiratory virus vaccines available through the VFC program.

COVID-19 

We anticipate the following 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines to be available to order in WIR the week of September 3.

The 2024–2025 vaccines include: 

Note that the 2023–2024 vaccines are no longer authorized or approved for use. 

RSV products 

Nirsevimab (long-acting monoclonal antibody for infants) 

ACIP recommends that all infants <8 months of age receive nirsevimab within seven days of birth. For some, this will be in the hospital, while for others, it will be at the infant’s first health care provider visit. Additionally, infants who are aged 8-19 months and are high risk (which includes all American Indian and Alaska Native infants) should also receive nirsevimab. For more information see the CDC’s full recommendations.

As of September 3, VFC providers should begin to order nirsevimab to ensure they have sufficient stock to start vaccination on October 1. Nirsevimab should be administered from October through March and will be available in 50 mg or 100 mg presentations in five dose packages. 

Nirsevimab repayment from last season

If you used private stock last year to vaccinate VFC eligible patients, you will need to order nirsevimab this year to receive repayment. For those entities who borrowed less than five doses, please remove that number of doses from one of your initial VFC shipments as payback. Note that borrowing for this season will follow normal rules of borrowing as noted in the Wisconsin VFC Resource Guide. The VFC team will follow up individually with entities who reported they they used more than five doses of private stock for VFC eligible children, as repayment will occur when allocations allow.

Abrysvo (vaccine for pregnant individuals) 

Abrysvo is currently available to order in WIR and is recommended for pregnant patients who are between 32 through 36 weeks and 6 days gestation. Abrysvo should be administered September through January. 

Influenza 

Influenza doses for VFC providers have started to ship. Keep in mind that influenza may arrive in multiple shipments and may be bundled with other VFC (or VFA) vaccines. If you need additional doses beyond what you have prebooked, please reach out to the VFC program. A limited number of doses are available.