ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The CDC has updated its recommendations on which kids should get the new RSV shot -- developed to protect infants from the dangerous respiratory disease.
Due to limited supplies, the CDC says pediatricians should prioritize the new higher dose of the RSV shot to those who need it most.
Washington University pediatric infectious diseases specialist Dr. Jason Newland at Barnes Jewish Hospital says priority for the 100 milligram dose should be given to infants in the high-risk category -- including American Indian and Alaska Native children younger than eight months who live in remote villages.
"Everyone should know, RSV kills up to 300 infants every year," said Newland. "So we need to make sure they get in other shots we'll make sure they get in, but we probably will have to save this year and hopefully next year we'll have more to give."
Newland also says infants born before 29 weeks of gestation or those who are severely immunocompromised should also be given priority.
"We been giving a shot to those high risk infants, those who were born very prematurely like less than 29 weeks of gestation as those with lung disease, heart disease," said Newland. "Those infants definitely need the 100 milligram dose because they are at the greatest risk of getting bad bad RSV disease."