A new monoclonal antibody shot, clesrovimab (Eflonsia), has been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for infants under eight months old born during or entering their first RSV season. The recommendation is expected to help protect thousands of Arizona babies who get sick from RSV every year.
RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, is a leading cause of infant hospitalization and causes the deaths of 100-300 U.S. children under five years old each season. Clesrovimab is a single-dose injection that simplifies RSV prevention, which was previously only available in monthly injections.
The ACIP recommendation follows the FDA’s approval of clesrovimab on June 9. While it may not be a game-changer compared to existing options like nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and palivizumab (Synagis), it provides more security against drug shortages, adds market competition, and may serve as a reminder to families that prevention for severe RSV infection exists.
According to Dr. Wassim Ballan, division chief of infectious diseases at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, clesrovimab “broadens the options for protection” and serves the same purpose as existing vaccines. Monoclonal antibody shots like clesrovimab give people man-made proteins that mimic antibodies produced by their bodies to fight infections.
The new shot is expected to be beneficial for Arizona babies, who are among millions of U.S. infants and children affected by RSV each season. With the availability of three new tools to protect against RSV this season, families have more options to keep their little ones safe.
Source: https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2025/06/27/shot-to-prevent-rsv-arizona/84375428007