Protecting Infants from RSV Complications

As longtime pediatricians in East Portland, we know that your infant’s health is your top priority during cold and flu season. While you’re likely familiar with the common cold and influenza, there’s another virus you should be aware of this season—Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Let’s explore why it’s essential to be vigilant about RSV, particularly for your infant.
What is RSV?
A common respiratory illness, RSV circulates in the US every year, usually starting in the fall and continuing through early spring. Like a cold, it spreads from person to person through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, and it can survive on surfaces like doorknobs and toys.
For most healthy children, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as fever, runny nose and cough that resolves within a week or two. However, for infants and young children, RSV can lead to severe complications, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is the number one cause of hospitalization for infants under 1 year of age.
For more information on RSV and its symptoms, check out this AAP article.
Protecting Your Baby from RSV
This is the second year we have had two options to help protect babies from the complications of RSV. Last year’s RSV season we saw dramatic results for babies who were protected. Here is a summary from the AAP:
Two new tools protect babies from severe illness during RSV season. You can choose RSV immunization during pregnancy, or your baby can be immunized after they are born. Most infants will likely only need protection from either the maternal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, but not both.
RSV vaccine during pregnancy
Pregnant people can receive the maternal RSV vaccine at 32 through 36 weeks pregnancy if their baby will be born during RSV season. The vaccine reduces the risk of RSV hospitalization for babies by 57% in their first six months after birth.
RSV immunization for babies
For infants and some toddlers, an RSV immunization called nirsevimab can be given as an injection and may be included with or between your baby’s routine immunizations. Nirsevimab has been shown to reduce the risk of both RSV-related hospitalizations and health care visits in infants by about 80%.
The shot works a little differently than a vaccine. It provides antibodies that start working to protect babies right away. The protection lasts throughout a typical RSV season.
Maternal RSV Vaccine (Abrysvo)
Pregnant people should get a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. These vaccines are administered September through January in most of the United States (RSV season varies region to region).
If you get the RSV vaccine during your pregnancy at least 2 weeks before delivery, then your baby does not need to get the nirsevimab injection; you will make the antibodies yourself and transfer them to the baby across the placenta. Talk to your OB about this important vaccine. Many pharmacies also offer it.
Note: The vaccine for pregnant people, Pfizer’s Abrysvo, is a different vaccine than the RSV vaccine for those who are 60 years and older. If you are getting it at a pharmacy make sure you are getting the correct one.
What is Nirsevimab (Beyfortus)?
An antibody injection that’s targeted directly at RSV, nirsevimab supports your child’s immune system in fighting off an RSV infection. This provides babies with immediate and short-term protection that lasts for the duration of a typical RSV season and can be given with a child’s routine immunizations.
For babies younger than eight months of age, one dose of nirsevimab is recommended to be given during, or right before, RSV season. A dose may be recommended for young children ages eight to 19 months who are at higher risk of serious illness. While it doesn’t prevent all infections, it does provide strong protection against severe infection, keeping more little ones out of the hospital.
For your infant, it’s best if they get their injection before RSV season starts, ideally before the end of October. For babies born during RSV season, it’s best if they get it in their first week of life. While not a vaccine, nirsevimab is covered under the Vaccines for Children program, whether they’re enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan or not.
We’re Here for You
Understanding RSV and taking preventive measures can go a long way in keeping your infant safe and healthy. If you have questions about RSV or would like to discuss nirsevimab (Beyfortus) as a preventive measure for your baby, contact us at East Portland Pediatric Clinic today. Your child’s health is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.