Source: Radio New Zealand
Pharmac needs to act quickly on the RSV vaccine to ensure it is ready for next winter, say experts. SERGII IAREMENKO/Science Photo Library via AFP
A “game-changer” immunisation that could save thousands of babies from a potentially deadly lung infection is sitting in the hands of Pharmac, according to respiratory health experts.
Pharmac’s Immunisation Advisory Committee met last week to discuss the funding application for nirsevimab to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants, as well as one for Arexvy, which is already licensed RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and older.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said the potential approval of nirsevimab could be “a game-changer” – particularly for Māori and Pacific communities.
“This is the progress we’ve been waiting for.
“RSV hospitalises thousands of children every year, and this treatment has the potential to prevent many of those admissions.”
But Pharmac needed to act quickly to ensure it was ready for next winter, she said.
“We can’t afford delays if we want to save lives of some of our most vulnerable.
“We’re urging decision makers to prioritise funding so that New Zealand infants can benefit as soon as possible.”
Another preventative medicine (Palivizumab) is already available for high-risk babies and young children but requires monthly hospital visits for injections.
Nirsevimab can be given by GP clinics, pharmacists or midwives and a single injection protects against RSV for five or six months.
gives protection over the entire RSV “season”.
It is a monoclonal antibody, which gives passive immunity rather than stimulating the immune system to make its own antibodies, like a vaccine.
Foundation medical director Professor Bob Hancox said the opportunity to introduce a more effective and accessible RSV immunisation was “a critical step for child health”.
“RSV is one of the most common and serious respiratory infections in infants, and it places enormous strain on our hospitals every winter.
“This new treatment could dramatically reduce hospitalisations and health inequities,” he said.
RSV immunisation is used in 40 other countries, and data shows it can cut RSV hospitalisations among babies by up to 90 percent.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
