MEDPAGE TODAY reported: WASHINGTON -- Real-world data backed the effectiveness of second-season (Beyfortus) immunizations against hospitalizations for children at high risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness.

In the case-control study of nirsevimab-eligible children ages 8 to 23 months who were hospitalized with respiratory symptoms, the rate of RSV-positivity was less common in patients who had received nirsevimab (20% vs 42%, P<0.001), reported Angela Campbell, MD, MPH, of the CDC.

The adjusted estimated effectiveness of the long-acting monoclonal antibody against RSV-associated hospitalizations came out to 75% (86% when given within the 60 days before symptom onset and 66% when given earlier than that), according to findings presented at the IDWeek annual meeting.

"These data provide valuable real-world evidence of nirsevimab effectiveness against RSV hospitalizations for nirsevimab-eligible children in their second RSV season," said Campbell. "Overall, these estimates support the initial recommendation for use of nirsevimab as a preventive strategy in those high-risk groups."

Taylor Olson, MD, of Children's National Hospital in Washington, called these results "reassuring."

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