RSV poses a significant threat to
vulnerable populations
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the lungs and respiratory tract. Vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare are disproportionately affected by RSV due to a variety of factors.
The fact is parents of color, particularly those of low-income status, are not prepared for the next wave of RSV. RSV poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly infants and young children with compromised immune systems. RSV hits infants and children the hardest, often resulting in severe illness, hospitalizations, and in some cases, even death.
Key Recommendations:
Download the RSV Health Access Action Report by National Minority Quality Forum now!
RSV is a serious threat to infants, especially in underserved communities, causing thousands of preventable hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths each year. The approval of Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a monoclonal antibody (mAbs) immunization, and its inclusion in the Vaccines for Children program have improved access to prevention. However, thousands of newborns still leave hospitals without receiving protection from RSV, increasing their risk of severe illness. To protect all infants, it’s crucial to make RSV immunization a standard part of newborn care. Learn more by reading our 2025 RSV Health Equity Action Report by the National Minority Quality Forum.
Ensuring Access to Innovation
With advancements in medical knowledge, preventive strategies for RSV infection have emerged. High-risk populations, such as preterm infants and infants with chronic lung disease, benefit from prophylactic interventions. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) will prevent RSV infection, reduce associated morbidity, and hold great potential to be an effective preventative measure to address the burden of RSV infection, particularly among infants and young children.
Breakthrough RSV Protection: How Monoclonal Antibodies is Saving Infants’ Lives
> Learn more
Encourage hospitals to engage their payers to secure a path-to-payment for inpatient utilization of RSV immunization.
We need equitable access for all
GET INVOLVED AND
SAVE LIVES!
Policymakers must act to save the 100 to 300 American children who die each year from RSV. Immunization can help. Speak up and call for action!
Toolkit
Educate yourself on RSV in your community and the benefits of
RSV immunization.
Share these graphics on your social media to help educate your community on the benefits of RSV immunization and help save the lives of thousands of infants and children! (Right-click to download these graphics/click here to download)
Press Release
We released a press statement to highlight the urgent need for RSV protection in infants and the impact of immunizations to prevent hospitalizations. Emphasizing the progress made in RSV prevention and the critical role of widespread immunization is key to protecting the most vulnerable. To read the full press release, click below.
Share Your Story
Do you have an RSV story? Send it to us - along with why you think RSV vaccination is so important for children.
