Palivizumab prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection in high-risk infants.

Palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduces hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in preterm infants. However, palivizumab is very expensive. Data from a New Zealand cost-effectiveness analysis were considered by representatives of the Infectious Diseases and Immunisation, Fetus and Newborn, and Respiratory Committees of the Paediatric Society of New Zealand. Prophylaxis in all high-risk groups was associated with net cost. The consensus panel recommends that the priority for palivizumab be given to babies discharged on home oxygen with chronic lung disease, followed by babies born at 28 weeks or less gestation.