Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute respiratory tract infections in people of all ages and can cause severe illness in infants and children with certain health conditions. Approximately 58,000-80,000 children under the age of 5 and up to 3% of children in their first year of life are hospitalized due to RSV infection each year in the US. Most children will get an RSV infection before the age of 2 years, and approximately 20-30% of children infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Reinfection is common and is usually less severe than the primary infection.

In the US, RSV typically circulates from the fall, peaks in December or January and continues through the spring. It is transmitted by direct or close contact with those infected or from touching contaminated surfaces.

More information about RSV infection

There are two ways to protect babies from severe RSV disease. Babies are protected when their mother receives the vaccine licensed for pregnant people near the end of pregnancy. Your obstetrician will discuss this with you. It is advised to receive the vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks gestations and is most effective if it is given >= 14 days prior to your child’s birth.

More information about the RSV Vaccine during pregnancy

If the RSV vaccine was not given to Mom during pregnancy, your infant can be immunized at birth or during RSV season. Either choice is very effective at preventing babies from being hospitalized.

RSV immunization is recommended for infants under 8 months of age during RSV season. It is also recommended for some children age 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season. Babies get the immunization during RSV season, which is generally October through March.

The antibodies in the RSV immunization specifically made for babies work right away to protect them against RSV disease. The protection lasts for at least 5 months. The shot is up to 90% effective in preventing infants from being hospitalized with RSV.

Pediatric HealthCare offers Beyfortus (Nirsevimab). Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody medication given to your infant. It provides your child temporary antibodies to fight RSV in his/her first season when babies are most vulnerable. Most vaccines provide antigens to a bacteria or virus and allow the child to build up their own immunity over time. Beyfortus provides them the antibody to prepare them for the fight against RSV in their early infancy. It is used to prevent or decrease risk for RSV disease for approximately 5 months. It is given as an injection in your child’s thigh. Common side effects include: rash, and pain, swelling or hardness at the site of your child’s injection.

The RSV immunizations are included in the list of recommended vaccines by the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices). Most private health insurance plans cover Nirsevimab. However, it may be helpful to reach out to your insurance company to ask about any extra cost passed on to you. You may contact your insurance company regarding coverage of these codes: 90380 (for children weighing less than 5kg or 11.023 lbs) or 90381 (for children weighing >= 5kg).

Nirsevimab is covered by Vaccines for Children/Medicaid. Children with Medicaid should receive their RSV vaccine at the local health department.

More information about Beyfortus Immunization for Infants < 8 months old

If you have any other questions about RSV and how you can protect your child, please talk with our office. You can send us a message through our patient portal or call the office during regular office hours.