Infants under 8 months: protection against RSV!

Now available: Immunization to protect babies from RSV, a yearly cold-like illness that is particularly serious in newborns and very young infants. Unlike other colds, it frequently goes to the chest, and because babies have tiny lungs they fill up with mucus quickly. They can have wheezing, labored breathing, pneumonia, or stop breathing. About 2/3 of babies catch it their first RSV season, approximately October through April. About 20% of these infants develop wheezing, and 2% of healthy, full-term babies are hospitalized and 6% of preterm infants, with the youngest at the highest risk. We all continue to catch RSV every year or two, but with fewer symptoms each time because of stronger immune systems and bigger lungs (until over 50, when it worsens again; people over 65 are also advised to get this immunization).

This RSV immunization (Beyfortus) is different from vaccines in that it is actually an injection of antibodies against RSV. A single dose will circulate for at least 5 months. It was studied in about 1000 full-term and 1000 preterm infants, and decreased office visits, hospital visits, and hospitalization by about 75%. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines, but for the youngest babies it should be given as soon as possible. Less than 1% of babies got a fever, rash or redness at the injection site as side effects.

Read details here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7234a4.htm

It has just become available for pediatricians to order, and we just got our first doses delivered. Because the CDC and ACIP have recommended its use in all babies under 8 months old, standard insurances should cover it, but we just haven't been told when yet – likely in the next few weeks.