RSV Vaccine for Babies - What You Need to Know

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia in babies and young children. Fortunately, we now have RSV vaccines that can help protect infants against this potentially dangerous virus. Here's what parents need to know about the RSV vaccine schedule for babies:

When can babies get the RSV vaccine?

RSV Vaccine for Babies: There are currently two RSV vaccines approved for use in infants - Palivizumab (Synagis) and Nirsevimab (Beyfortus).

Palivizumab is approved for preterm infants born before 29 weeks gestation, as well as infants with certain heart or lung conditions that make them high-risk. The first dose is given within the first 28 days of life, with subsequent monthly doses given during RSV season.

Nirsevimab was recently approved by the FDA for use in all infants entering their first RSV season. The vaccine is given in a series of two injections - the first between 2-5 months old, with the second dose in the subsequent RSV season.

How many RSV vaccine doses do babies need?

Palivizumab, high-risk infants may receive 1-5 monthly injections over the RSV season, depending on when they were born.

Nirsevimab, all babies only need 2 doses - one initial shot followed by a booster the next year. This makes the schedule much simpler.

Are the RSV vaccines safe?

Both RSV vaccines have been clinically tested and found safe and effective for protecting babies against severe RSV infection. Palivizumab has been used for many years with a good safety record. Nirsevimab is the new kid on the block, but clinical studies report only mild side effects like fever, runny nose, cough, and tiredness in a small percentage of babies.

Talk To Baby's Doctor Immediately

Talk to your pediatrician to learn if your baby qualifies for RSV vaccination. With the new vaccine options now available, we can better shield even tiny infants from the most harmful effects of RSV and help them breathe easier.

FAQ's

Q: What is RSV?

A: RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It is a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms but can lead to more serious problems like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in some infants and young children.

Q: Who should get the RSV vaccine?

A: The Palivizumab RSV vaccine is approved for premature infants born before 29 weeks gestation, as well as infants with certain heart or lung conditions. The newest vaccine, Nirsevimab, is approved for all infants entering their first RSV season.

Q: How is the RSV vaccine given?

A: The Palivizumab RSV vaccine is given as an injection, usually in the leg muscle, each month during RSV season. The Nirsevimab vaccine is a series of two injections - the first between 2-5 months old followed by a second dose the next RSV season.

Q: What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine?

A: Side effects are usually mild, including temporary soreness at the injection site, fever, runny nose, cough and irritability. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

Q: When should my baby get the first RSV vaccine dose?

A: For high-risk babies, Palivizumab is recommended within the first 28 days of life. For other infants, the first dose of Nirsevimab can be given between 2-5 months old.

Q: How many doses are needed?

A: With Palivizumab, high-risk infants may receive 1-5 monthly injections in one RSV season. With Nirsevimab, all babies need 2 doses - one initial shot and a booster the next year.

Q: Is the RSV vaccine safe for babies?

A: Yes, both the Palivizumab and Nirsevimab RSV vaccines have been clinically tested and found safe and effective for protecting infants against severe RSV disease.

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