RSV Prevention
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that has been the leading causes of hospitalization for infants for decades. RSV is responsible for 58,000 - 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 - 500 deaths each year in the United States alone. Young age and prematurity are risk factors for severe disease. Historically, RSV has been spread most during the fall and winter months. Typically RSV "season" lasts from October through February or March.
The Past
For families that have raised a premature baby, you may already be familiar with how dangerous this virus can be, and how serious NICU doctors take RSV prevention. For about 25 years, there has been an expensive and short term protection available to those babies most at risk for hospitalization - Synagis. Synagis is a monoclonal antibody that neurtralizes the virus before it can cause disease. This is known as passive immunization, because it does not cause the body to make it's own defence, so this is not technically a vaccine. This shot had to be given once a month during RSV season to protect these infants. While effective, it was cost prohibitive and not very user friendly to be recommended for all infants.
The Future
There is a new monoclonal antibody that has been developed by Sanofi and AstraZeneca called Beyfortus. Trials for this long acting antibody began in 2016. It was approved for use in Europe in September 2022, and approved for use in the United States in July 2023. In post approval data, the antibody was 90% effective in preventing infants from being hospitalized. Many pregnant women have already been offered this passive immunization in the last year. Starting October 2024, we will be offering this immunization to all babies under 8 months of age in our office. The antibody can be given at any point after delivery. We will start offering the antibody at well visits for infants less than 8 months of age in October. For babies born during RSV season (October through February), we will offer the antibody at the 2 week visit, and any other well visit if not previously given.
Some mothers may be offered this immunization during their third trimester of pregnancy. For mothers who are sure that they received this immunization at least 2 weeks prior to delivery of their child, there will be no need to give the antibody to the infant. If mom is unsure whether or not their OB gave them this injection, it is recommended that the infant get the antibody.
The providers here at The Pediatric Center are excited to be a part of this new era of RSV prevention. Please ask us any questions you may have about this treatment.