The Kenai Public Health Center is seen on a cloudy Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

The Kenai Public Health Center is seen on a cloudy Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

New RSV preventative measures to be available this season

Nirsevimab will be available through the Alaska Immunization Program starting Oct. 1

Cases of respiratory syncytial virus are being identified in the southeastern United States, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Advisory says, and though cases haven’t yet been identified in Alaska, the State Department of Health says new prevention tools will be available this respiratory illness season.

Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody that has been found effective in preventing RSV infections in infants, will be available through the Alaska Immunization Program starting Oct. 1, an Epidemiology Bulletin published Monday by the department said.

Monoclonal antibodies are described by the CDC as “man-made proteins” that mimic naturally produced antibodies — these designed specifically to combat RSV.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

According to the bulletin, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in August unanimously voted to recommend the antibodies for use in the United States. The committee recommends a dose of the antibodies for all infants younger than 8 months who are born during or are entering their first RSV season.

Certain groups of infants are also recommended to receive the antibodies when aged 8 to 19 months and entering their second RSV season if they meet criteria for “high-risk.” These criteria describe those with chronic lung disease or those severely immunocompromised.

Historically, the bulletin says, RSV season happened in Alaska later than it did in the Lower 48, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the season has aligned with that of the rest of the country — largely between October and March.

“However, RSV circulation continued in some parts of Alaska through summer 2023,” the bulletin reads.

An Alaska Public Health Alert Network message also released on Monday says that single-dose vaccines to combat RSV are expected to be available “soon.” These will be recommended for adults aged 60 and older to prevent severe illness, as well as people who are pregnant to protect their newborn. The committee’s voting on recommendations for the vaccine is scheduled for Sept. 22.

For more information about RSV in Alaska, visit health.alaska.gov.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Children leap forward to grab candy during a Fourth of July parade on South Willow Street in Kenai, Alaska, on July 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy Sarah Every)
Celebrating the 4th in the streets

Kenai comes out for annual Independence Day parade.

Fire crews respond to the Bruce Fire, July 4, 2025, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Alaska Division of Forestry)
Firefighting crews respond to wildfire outside Soldotna

The 8-acre fire and two “spot fires” of less than one acre each are located near Mile 102 and 103 of the Sterling Highway.

Robert Weaver was last seen at the Doroshin Bay public use cabin on June 25, 2025. (Photo provided by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)
Kenai wildlife refuge seeking information on missing man

Robert Weaver was last seen near Skilak Lake on June 25.

The Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team conducts a training mission in Seward, Alaska in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team
Anchor Point fundraiser to benefit Alaska rescue and recovery group

Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 2016.

Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic staff (left to right) Angie Holland, RN; Jane Rohr, Sonja Martin Young, CNM; Robin Holmes, MD; and Cherie Bole, CMA provide an array of reproductive and sexual health services. (Photo provided by KBFPC)
Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic releases report on STI trends on the Kenai Peninsula

The report pulls from data gathered from 2024 to early 2025.

Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Swimmers, parents call on Kenai to support Kenai Central pool

The KPBSD Board of Education last week said communities will need to step up and take over administration of pools within the next year.

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai drops effort to rename South Spruce Street

The resolution would have changed the name to make it clear which road led to North Kenai Beach

Gov. Mike Dunleavy compares Alaska to Mississippi data on poverty, per-pupil education spending, and the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress fourth grade reading scores during a press conference on Jan. 31, 2025. Alaska is highlighted in yellow, while Mississippi is in red. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy calls special session for August

Lawmakers on Wednesday said they were surprised by the move.

Most Read