RSV Immunization

RSV Immunization (Beyfortus) is now available for babies under 8 months of age who have not previously been immunized. We strongly recommend this immunization to keep your baby healthy. Send a portal message or call us to schedule.
 

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. There are two types of immunizations to help prevent your baby from developing serious illness from RSV.

For expectant mothers between 32-36 weeks gestation there is an immunization called ABRYSVO. Talk to your OB about this vaccine. When moms receive this vaccine their body makes antibodies against the RSV virus which are then passed onto the baby. This gives your baby immune fighting cells to protect against RSV. We strongly encourage moms to receive this vaccine in the last trimester of preganancy.

If mom did not receive this vaccine then baby can receive the immunization 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 will significantly decrease the risk of serious complications and hospitalizations from RSV and is very safe with very few side effects.
 

Newborns who are born between October-March will be able to receive the immunization at birth prior to hospital discharge (if mom was not vaccinated). If your baby is born during this time I strongly encourage you to provide this immunization for your baby in the hospital if it is available at the time of delivery to provide the best protection. For older babies under 8 months they can receive the immunization in the office.

For more information check out: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/protect-infants.html