Palivizumab, administered as an intramuscular injection, is used to provide protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in at-risk patients, and has been shown to decrease hospitalisation in this group.
It is currently part of a UK-wide immunisation schedule under guidance issued by Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommends its use in premature infants with conditions affecting the lungs and/or heart, and children with impaired immune systems.
The UK rapid policy statement, which extends the eligibility criteria for passive immunisation with palivizumab (within the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic) to a further group of at-risk infants, has been updated to reflect the unusual seasonal presentation of the virus, and now allows for up to 7 doses to be administered.
It is recommended that immunisation with palivizumab is initiated as soon as possible in line with the updated rapid policy statement.