Practice Partnerships Result in Thousands of RSV Doses Saved; Next Steps in RSV Ordering

Thanks to the commitment and partnership of physician practices and practitioners across the state, over 5,500 doses of expiring RSV vaccine (nirsevimab)-valued at $2.3 million-have been successfully redistributed and used, preventing waste and helping protect the financial sustainability of Washington’s universal Childhood Vaccine Program. Feedback on the challenges of nirsevimab ordering restrictions, transfer processes, and time delays was crucial in helping guide improvements in coordination and communication, resulting in more than 500 successful transfers, with clinics, tribes, and local health jurisdictions working together to share product regionally. This effort was coordinated by the Washington State Department of Health, Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics, and the Washington Vaccine Association.

RSV ordering status

Ordering for nirsevimab opened statewide on Oct. 8. Vaccine providers will continue to have the opportunity to order at least weekly. The Department of Health continues to monitor orders closely and expects the process to become smoother moving forward. The goal is to use all RSV product by the end of the season on March 31 so that no doses are held over to next fall. When a product is close to expiring, it should be posted for transfer at least four weeks before expiration to help ensure it is fully utilized.

Next steps

• Order responsibly: small quantities, more often, and only what you will use.
• Prioritize use of short-dated vaccines first.
• Advertise expiring doses on the vaccine advertisement page in the IIS.
• Ensure proper storage safeguards, especially during extreme weather or power outages.
• Please refer to the Department of Health’s previous communication for current RSV vaccine ordering guidance, schedules, and caps.

The partnership with clinics and physician organizations helps reduce waste, maximize access, and protect the sustainability of this vital public health program. For assistance with vaccine transfers, see the vaccine transfer checklist and FAQs. Additional information on vaccine ordering, returns, and vaccine choice can be found on the Department of Health website. For questions or feedback, email WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov.