RSV season usually start around Halloween and comes in waves throughout the winter. Almost all children have had RSV by age 2 and most children will have it several times in the next few years. In older children, it typically presents as a slightly worse than usual upper respiratory illness ( URI or a "cold. ") In the youngest infants and toddlers it can cause bronchiolitis. "Bronchioles" are the smallest airways in our lungs, and "itis" means these airways are inflamed, or irritated, by the virus. When these airways get inflamed in young children, they often will start to "wheeze," meaning air and the oxygen in it have difficulty getting through these narrowed, swollen airways.
With a case of bronchiolitis, your infant's symptoms may begin with a runny nose, a fever, and a harsh, tight cough. If it progresses to wheezing, your child may start to breathe rapidly and "pull" with his/her abdomen and rib muscles with each breath. Please call us immediately if your child's breathing becomes labored or difficult or go to the ER if after hours. .
The good news is that we now have a few good ways of preventing RSV in our youngest, most vulnerable infants.
The RSV Preventative Antibody injection, known as Beyfortus (nirsevimab), provides immunity through specially designed antibodies targeting RSV. It offers immediate, “ready-made” protection against the virus, with clinical studies showing an 80% reduction in hospitalization risk.
Well tolerated, uncommon side effects may include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site or mild rash. Allergic reactions are extremely rare. Beyfortus builds on over 25 years of safe use of a previous formulation, Synagis, which has been administered to millions of high-risk infants. Beyfortus simplifies the process with a single-dose option providing lasting protection throughout the RSV season and is now available for use in all young infants.
Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is recommended for:
An Earlier Opportunity: The RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women
Another way to protect your baby is the RSV vaccine for pregnant women, designed to transfer antibodies from mother to baby during pregnancy. Vaccinating during the last trimester (32-36 weeks) provides vital protection against RSV in the crucial first few months. When administered at least 14 days before delivery, it offers significant protection. Studies show infants born to mothers who receive the vaccine have about a 60% lower risk of hospitalization and an 80% lower risk of ICU admission due to RSV. If you are pregnant, discuss eligibility with your OB. Babies whose moms received the RSV vaccine typically do not need the RSV Preventative Antibody, as they already have protection from maternal antibodies.
Supply Information You Should Know
Beyfortus can be provided at the birth hospital, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to protect your newborn. The DPH is supplying pediatric offices with a limited quantity of the RSV Preventative Antibody injection, which we will administer on a first-come, first-served basis. If our supply runs out, your infant's name will be added to a waiting list. This injection can be given alongside usual infant immunizations during wellness visits or at nurse-only injection appointments. Because of these supply issues, if you have the opportunity for the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or to have your newborn get the RSV Preventative Antibody at the birth hospital, we recommend you consider this a good way to protect your baby.
For More Information
With a case of bronchiolitis, your infant's symptoms may begin with a runny nose, a fever, and a harsh, tight cough. If it progresses to wheezing, your child may start to breathe rapidly and "pull" with his/her abdomen and rib muscles with each breath. Please call us immediately if your child's breathing becomes labored or difficult or go to the ER if after hours. .
The good news is that we now have a few good ways of preventing RSV in our youngest, most vulnerable infants.
The RSV Preventative Antibody injection, known as Beyfortus (nirsevimab), provides immunity through specially designed antibodies targeting RSV. It offers immediate, “ready-made” protection against the virus, with clinical studies showing an 80% reduction in hospitalization risk.
Well tolerated, uncommon side effects may include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site or mild rash. Allergic reactions are extremely rare. Beyfortus builds on over 25 years of safe use of a previous formulation, Synagis, which has been administered to millions of high-risk infants. Beyfortus simplifies the process with a single-dose option providing lasting protection throughout the RSV season and is now available for use in all young infants.
Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is recommended for:
- All infants younger than 8 months of age during RSV season (October to March.
- Infants 8 to 18 months with high risk conditions such as chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease during their second RSV season
An Earlier Opportunity: The RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women
Another way to protect your baby is the RSV vaccine for pregnant women, designed to transfer antibodies from mother to baby during pregnancy. Vaccinating during the last trimester (32-36 weeks) provides vital protection against RSV in the crucial first few months. When administered at least 14 days before delivery, it offers significant protection. Studies show infants born to mothers who receive the vaccine have about a 60% lower risk of hospitalization and an 80% lower risk of ICU admission due to RSV. If you are pregnant, discuss eligibility with your OB. Babies whose moms received the RSV vaccine typically do not need the RSV Preventative Antibody, as they already have protection from maternal antibodies.
Supply Information You Should Know
Beyfortus can be provided at the birth hospital, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to protect your newborn. The DPH is supplying pediatric offices with a limited quantity of the RSV Preventative Antibody injection, which we will administer on a first-come, first-served basis. If our supply runs out, your infant's name will be added to a waiting list. This injection can be given alongside usual infant immunizations during wellness visits or at nurse-only injection appointments. Because of these supply issues, if you have the opportunity for the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or to have your newborn get the RSV Preventative Antibody at the birth hospital, we recommend you consider this a good way to protect your baby.
For More Information
- CDC RSV Information
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center: RSV
- HealthyChildren.org RSV: When It's More than Just a Cold