HJNO Sep/Oct 2023

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  SEP / OCT 2023 45 immunizations for children. The down- ward trend in adherence to immunization schedules correlates with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether parents are opting not to vaccinate their children for illnesses like measles, mumps, and polio out of fear for the safety of vaccines or be- cause visits with the pediatrician for well- ness checks were compromised during the height of the pandemic, a continuation of global noncompliance with vaccination schedules is likely to cause a health crisis. As we have seen over the past few years, cases of measles and mumps, which were very rare in the U.S. thanks to vaccina- tions, are now on the rise because many are choosing not to be immunized. As we enter the fall, a common season for viral illnesses, let us remember as healthcare providers the importance of advocating for the health of our community by edu- cating patients on the importance of timely immunizations to prevent another global health crisis. n Anthony Hudson, MD, specializes in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital New Orleans and serves as chief of pediatrics at East Jefferson General Hos- pital. He earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and went on to complete residency training in pediatrics fromTulane University School of Medicine.He is board-certified by TheAmerican Board of Pediatrics and theAmerican Board of Obesity Medicine. Anthony Hudson, MD Pediatrician Children’s Hospital New Orleans THE FLU vaccine is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and can be administered ahead of flu season each year. In June 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine be- came available for children ages 6 months and older. Today, it is most important to emphasize a new RSV immunization to for- tify babies’ defenses against the virus. What to know about the new RSV vaccine The drug, nirsevimab, was recently ap- proved by the U.S. Food and Drug Admin- istration to protect babies from RSV, which is the leading cause of hospitalizations in infants less than 1 year of age. Approxi- mately 58,000-80,000 children younger than 5 years of age are hospitalized annu- ally with RSV. Most commonly, RSV causes a mild, cold-like illness called bronchiolitis. How- ever, it can also cause severe respiratory disease and lead to hospitalization and bad outcomes. It can be especially dangerous for premature infants, those less than 12 months of age, children younger than 2 years with chronic lung or congenital heart disease, those with weak immune systems, and neuromuscular disorders. Nirsevimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody product. This means the vaccine gives infants supplemental antibodies to guide the immune system in defense against the virus. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by about 80%. CDC recommends infants younger than 8 months receive one dose of nirsevimab before or during their first RSV season. Nirsevimab is expected to be available lat- er this year, ahead of the 2023-2024 RSV season. Parents are advised to speak with their healthcare provider on the timing of the RSV season, as this varies regionally. The importance of childhood immunizations As we know, vaccines like nirsevimab help the immune system defend against germs and protect babies and children by building up their natural defenses. As healthcare providers and advocates for community health, it is imperative that we advise and counsel parents on how to best protect their children from viruses and other childhood illnesses. One of our best defenses is to ensure that children are up-to-date on their recommended vacci- nation schedules. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nationwide, we are experienc- ing a steep and concerning drop in routine “As healthcare providers and advocates for community health, it is imperative that we advise and counsel parents on how to best protect their children from viruses and other childhood illnesses. One of our best defenses is to ensure that children are up-to-date on their recommended vaccination schedules.”