In today's world, where information flows constantly, making smart decisions about your child's health can be overwhelming. That's why it’s so important to have the latest recommendations for preventing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in babies.
This year marks the first time that there are ways to protect all babies from severe RSV, the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States. This includes an RSV vaccine for expectant women during pregnancy and an RSV antibody for your baby that can be given after birth.
RSV accounts for the hospitalization of 58,000 to 80,000 U.S. children under the age of 5 annually. Last year, RSV affected many across the country. Hospitals were crowded with babies and young children suffering from the virus.
The RSV vaccine and preventive antibody provide an opportunity to curb hospital surges like what we experienced in 2022.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all babies get protection from one of these new RSV immunizations; however, both are not necessary for most infants.
As the vaccine and preventive antibody become more widely available at pharmacies and doctor's offices, here’s what all current and expectant parents should know to make well-informed choices that will protect babies from severe RSV during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
RSV vaccine recommendations during pregnancy
The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2023, to prevent severe RSV in babies.
Here's what to know about getting an RSV vaccine during pregnancy:
- A single dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy.
- This vaccine is available from September through January in most of the U.S., but in locations where the RSV season may be different (some territories, Hawaii and Alaska), the timing may vary.
- If weeks 32 through 36 of your pregnancy do not fall in this timeframe, or you do not receive an RSV vaccine when you’re pregnant, an RSV antibody is available for your baby after birth.
Remember that most babies will likely only need protection via the RSV vaccine given to their mothers during pregnancy or the RSV antibody administered to the child after birth, but not both. Talk to your health care provider to determine the best options for you and your baby this RSV season.
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RSV antibody recommendations for babies and young children
In addition to new RSV vaccine recommendations for pregnancy, a new RSV antibody called nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is also available to protect babies and certain toddlers from severe RSV infection.
If you received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, it's unlikely that your baby will need protection from the RSV antibody, though you can ask your practitioner to be sure.
Here’s what to know about the RSV antibody that is now available for babies and some young children:
- Babies under 8 months old who are born during or entering their first RSV season should receive one dose of nirsevimab if their mothers did not get the RSV vaccine.
- In rare situations when recommended by their health care providers, some babies may get a dose of nirsevimab even if their mothers received an RSV vaccine.
- For babies and toddlers ages 8 to 19 months who are at higher risk of RSV and entering their second RSV season, one dose is also recommended.
As the RSV season approaches, it's important to consider these recommendations and take proactive steps to protect babies from this common respiratory virus. RSV season typically begins in the fall and peaks during the winter.
By taking advantage of these new RSV immunizations, we can protect our babies from coming down with a serious case of the virus, which could lead to a hospital stay.
Remember, talk to your health care provider if you have questions about RSV or any of these new ways to protect your little one from getting seriously sick with the virus.
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