How to prevent RSV in your newborn

There is some great news—we now have TWO immunizations available to help prevent your newborn from getting RSV this winter. 

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common viral illness in the Fall and Winter that affects the respiratory tract. While some children experience mild symptoms like a bad cold (cough, nasal congestion) other children (particularly infants) may develop more severe lung disease requiring oxygen/ hospitalization. RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants. These immunizations will help PREVENT your baby from developing serious illness from RSV.

One immunization is available for pregnant mothers between 32-36 weeks gestation called ABRYSVO. Talk to your OB about this vaccine. It is also available at some pharmacies including Walgreens. When moms receive this vaccine their body makes antibodies against the RSV virus which are then passed onto the baby. This gives your baby the immune fighting cells he needs to protect against RSV infection. 

The second type of immunization is given to your baby and is called Beyfortus (nirsevimab). This immunization is different from traditional vaccines--it is a dose of pre-made antibodies against RSV given to your baby (in a traditional vaccine the patient's immune system makes the antibodies in response to the vaccine). Antibody injections have been given safely for infection prevention for many years. This immunization has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of serious complications and hospitalizations from RSV (over 80%) and is very safe with very few side effects. 

There is very limited supply of nirsevimab within the community, however, it is now available at the time of hospital discharge after birth. If mom has not received ABRYSVO vaccine I strongly encourage you to provide this immunization for your baby if it is available at the time of delivery (you can get one or the other immunization but do not need both). 

For more information check out the following articles: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/public/child.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/public/pregnancy.html