United States: In response to the ongoing threat of respiratory illnesses, particularly RSV, health authorities recommend vaccination as a precautionary measure. However, recent reports have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a critical alert regarding the improper administration of RSV vaccinations to a limited number of pregnant women and young children.
According to the alert released by the CDC, as of January 17th, approximately 128 pregnant women and 25 children under the age of 2 were mistakenly given RSV vaccinations that were intended for adult use.
The CDC has expressed significant concern over these vaccination errors, particularly in light of the fact that they occurred in relation to an estimated 1 million infants who are either protected from RSV through infant receipt of nirsevimab or through vaccination of pregnant women.
Experts have attributed these errors to the lack of clarity surrounding the three different RSV immunizations currently available. Dr Daniel Ganjian, a certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, emphasized that the introduction of new vaccines and treatments can sometimes lead to confusion, especially in busy healthcare settings. Dr Ganjian further noted that the similarity in names between the RSV vaccines—Arexvy and Abrysvo—may have contributed to the confusion.
Dr Patricia Faraz, a board-certified OB-GYN at The Women’s Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, stressed the importance of implementing proper systems within clinics to prevent such errors. She recommended separating medications for obstetric patients from those for non-obstetric patients to reduce the likelihood of confusion among staff members.
In light of these incidents, Dr Ganjian advised individuals who have received the wrong vaccine to notify their healthcare provider or VAERS. He also urged parents and guardians to contact their pediatricians to review their child’s records and confirm whether the correct vaccine was administered. If not, healthcare professionals can provide guidance on the next steps.
While there have been no reports of serious adverse events resulting from these vaccine errors, individuals are advised to promptly report any unusual symptoms experienced after vaccination to their healthcare provider. Dr Ganjian outlined potential signs of adverse reactions, including allergic reactions, fever, and redness or swelling at the injection site.