About Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab)
Beyfortus™ or Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. It is administered intramuscularly as a one-time, fixed dose of 50mg (infants < 5kg, or 100mg (infants ≥ 5 kg) during the RSV season.
In October of 2003, the Nova Scotia Provincial Blood Coordinating Program (NSPBCP) began monitoring requests for palivizumab in Nova Scotia. A letter from the NSPBCP was distributed to all Nova Scotia pediatricians in February 2004, detailing RSV infection prophylaxis recommendations for the remainder of the 2003/04 season. These recommendations were based on guidelines for palivizumab use from the Canadian Pediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). When NACI guidelines were extended to include the use of palivizumab for infants < 24 months with “hemodynamically significant” congenital heart disease, a review process was established by the NSPBCP in collaboration with the IWK Children’s Heart Centre to ensure appropriate use for infants with cardiac indications (CHD).
The NSPBCP convened a working group of medical specialists in April 2004 to review RSV prophylaxis cost and utilization data for Nova Scotia, to develop a Provincial RSV Infection Prophylaxis consensus guidelines for the upcoming RSV season. This was to assist the NSPBCP in designing a utilization management program for RSV immunoprophylaxis products. IWK Health will now continue the utilization management program initiated by the NSPBCP.
There are no changes in eligibility criteria for anti-RSV antibody in NS this year, a different immunization product will be used called Nirsevimab. Only one dose of Nirsevimab is needed for protection over the following 4 to 6 months. In 2024 the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provided guidance about program options for Nirsevimab and maternal RSV vaccine. For 2024-2025 a limited supply of Nirsevimab was available for high-risk children. The NS Department of Health is considering options for providing Nirsevimab for more children for 2025-2026.
Documents for the 2024-25 season are to be distributed to stakeholders in November of 2024 and contain the indications for use of Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab) in Nova Scotia for the recommended season. Usually, doses of Nirsevimab are offered between December and April, to coincide with the annual RSV outbreak. The IWK Health Utilization Monitoring Program is monitoring RSV activity in the province in case the start date for the RSV prophylaxis should change. In the meantime, the plan is for prophylaxis to begin in early December 2024. Health-care providers will be updated if there are any changes to the timing of the program.