RSV is a very common respiratory virus which almost all babies will get before 2 years old. The youngest children, especially babies under 1 year old, are most at risk for severe disease & hospitalization. Between 100-300 children under 5 years old die from RSV each year, and many more (over 50,000) are hospitalized.
There is now an immunization for babies UNDER 8 MONTH OLD to protect them against RSV. The RSV immunization, Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus™), is a monoclonal antibody which protects the youngest children through RSV season. It has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of severe RSV disease and hospitalization.
It is a ONE TIME shot given at the beginning of RSV season, which starts October 1. It lasts for the RSV season.
Last year there were shortages of this immunization, and some eligible babies did not get the medicine, so please don’t wait.
The RSV shot can be given at the same visit as other vaccines.
Please call the office to schedule this appointment ASAP.
For more info:
https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-details/rsv-vaccine-monoclonal-antibody
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/immunization-information-statement.html