As we approach the fall and winter months, the U.S. is expecting a new wave of viral protection options for the public. This includes updated COVID-19 vaccines and new preventatives for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These treatments will better equip the country to combat the respiratory viral season, during which the flu, COVID-19, and RSV typically surge. However, the rollout of these new treatments will test the effectiveness of vaccinations in the post-pandemic era.
Although no updated COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yet, stakeholders anticipate that they will become available by the end of this month, with rollouts starting in mid-September. Michelle Fiscus, the chief medical officer of the Association of Immunization Managers, emphasizes the importance of these new vaccines given the potential for an overlap of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 cases this season. Fiscus hopes that more people will choose to get the updated COVID-19 shot, especially those who skipped getting a bivalent booster.
Older adults in the U.S. will also benefit from the availability of the first-ever RSV vaccine this year. The FDA approved the shot for adults over the age of 60 in May, and a preventative monoclonal antibody was approved for infants and toddlers in July. However, there are some logistical and financial challenges associated with the RSV antibody, as it has a high price that may be a barrier for some doctors’ offices.
Efficient messaging and a quick turnaround are essential for the successful administration of the RSV antibodies. Anne Zink, president of The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), acknowledges the challenges involved in distributing the RSV monoclonal antibody and highlights the importance of working with pediatricians to ensure parents have access to the necessary information.
While Beyfortus, the RSV antibody, is not technically a vaccine, it has been included in the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides free shots to about half of the children in the U.S. The availability of Beyfortus is expected to begin in mid-September, and supplies will continue to be accessible throughout the season.
The timing and logistics of the COVID-19 vaccine campaign also pose challenges. This will be the first round of COVID-19 immunizations not subsidized by the federal government. To ensure access for the uninsured, the Biden administration introduced the Bridge Access Program, a public-private partnership that distributes coronavirus vaccines and treatments through health centers and pharmacies. Negotiations with pharmacies are still underway, and distribution through pharmacies may be delayed until mid-October.
Industry stakeholders remain uncertain about the popularity of the latest COVID-19 shots this season. In an earnings call, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla mentioned that vaccination rates for the older bivalent dose have fallen short of projections. Bourla anticipates more consumers opting for the shot during the fall and winter, but acknowledges the uncertainty regarding disease severity and people’s preferences. Pfizer expects the updated shot to be authorized this month, with distribution potentially starting by the end of August.
Effective messaging will play a crucial role in convincing people to get vaccinated. Early on in the vaccination campaign, mixed messaging led to confusion regarding the effectiveness of the vaccines. The true benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine lies in its ability to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Experts stress the importance of communicating this key point to the public.
In addition to COVID-19, there is also a concern about the upcoming respiratory viral season. Factors such as reduced workforce numbers and the potential for more hospitalizations make this year’s season just as challenging as the previous one.
Overall, with the introduction of updated COVID-19 vaccines and RSV preventatives, the U.S. is better prepared to combat the respiratory viral season. However, effective distribution, messaging, and addressing logistical challenges are crucial for successful rollouts and ensuring public health.
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