Nov. 12, 2024
The New Mexico Medicaid managed care organizations and the New Mexico Department of Health encourage integrating the respiratory syncytial virus antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) into your office, newborn nurseries and neonatal intensive care units.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends nirsevimab to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in infants. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants. Nirsevimab is recommended for:
- Infants younger than 8 months of age born to mothers who did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy. A nirsevimab dose should be given to babies shortly before the RSV season or within one week after birth if born during October to March.
- Children 8 to 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV, including children who are Native American, have cystic fibrosis, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia or are immunocompromised. This nirsevimab dose should be given shortly before the child’s second RSV season.
Nirsevimab during the 2023-2024 RSV season was 90% effective against RSV-associated hospitalization in infants in their first RSV season. Only one dose of nirsevimab is needed during RSV season.
How to access the antibody: Nirsevimab is available as part of the New Mexico Vaccines for Children program through the NMDOH for hospitals or community vaccine providers in New Mexico. We cover its administration under Turquoise Care when administered through Vaccines for Children.
If your facility or practice is interested in participating in Vaccines for Children, email Lynne Padilla with NMDOH or visit the NMDOH website.
For more details, refer to the joint letter from the MCOs and NMDOH.