Advances in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention
There are two RSV vaccines FDA-approved for people ages 60 years and older – AbrysvoTM and Arexvy®.
| Trade name | Manufacturer | NDC | Quantity | Suggested Days’ Supply | Time to administer |
| AbrysvoTM | Pfizer | 00069-0344-01 | 1 EA | 1 day supply | Use within 4 hours after reconstitution |
| Arexvy® | GSK | 58160-0848-11 |
CDC recommends that adults ages 60 years and older may receive RSV vaccination, using shared clinical decision-making (SCDM). This means that health care providers (including pharmacists) should talk to these individuals about whether RSV vaccination is appropriate for them.
- Most vaccines recommendations are considered routine, catch-up, and risk-based where the default decision is to “vaccinate, unless contraindicated”.
- There are a small number of vaccines including RSV and Hepatitis B that are recommended under SCDM where there is no default.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) explains how SCDM differs from routine, catch-up, and risk-based immunization recommendations here.
Because of the SCDM workflow, the immunization action coalition (immunize.org) has not created a standing order template or screening checklist.
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- Medicare covers RSV vaccine under Part D
- Administration to patients less than 60 years of age is off-label, not recommended by CDC, and very high audit risk
- Important exception: As of September 22, 2023 CDC recommends that pregnant people obtain AbrysvoTM (only) between weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to reduce risk of RSV hospitalization for babies within first six months after birth. This recommendation is not in published/printed ACIP immunization schedule as of this writing; however, is an “addendum”.
- Like all vaccines, pharmacies should maintain proof of administration as well as authorization to administer which may include a patient-specific prescription or a collaborative practice agreement/protocol.
- The RSV vaccine is not officially part of published ACIP immunization schedule as of this writing, so pharmacists may not have independent prescribing authority as per state law or PREP Act.
- While PAAS has not seen audits requesting documentation of SCDM, pharmacies should consider documentation of their conversation as part of the vaccine administration record
Analyst at PAAS National®
As an Analyst, I focus on providing pre- and post-audit assistance, answering various member service questions, and researching & drafting articles for the Third-Party Newsline. I work with many of our members involved with invoice audits.
I obtained my PharmD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy and worked for a major chain as well as various LTC and independent pharmacies, before coming to PAAS.
I am passionate about learning and teaching. I strive to learn something new about PBM audits every day, so that PAAS can be more knowledgeable to better serve our members! In 2018, I started traveling to state pharmacy conferences to present audit seminars and meet our wonderful members in person.
I obtained my PharmD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy and worked for a major chain as well as various LTC and independent pharmacies, before coming to PAAS.
I am passionate about learning and teaching. I strive to learn something new about PBM audits every day, so that PAAS can be more knowledgeable to better serve our members! In 2018, I started traveling to state pharmacy conferences to present audit seminars and meet our wonderful members in person.
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