09/15/2025
🌟 Protect Your Baby from RSV This Season 🌟
🔹What is RSV?
RSV or respiratory syncytial virus is a common virus that is very easily spread. Almost all children will be infected with RSV by 2 years of age. Older children typically develop cold symptoms and cough, but babies can get extremely sick from RSV. In fact, RSV is the number one reason babies younger than 1 year of age need to be hospitalized. RSV causes on average between 100-300 deaths in the US annually in kids under the age of 5 years.
🔹When does RSV usually spread?
RSV can spread any time but is most common during the colder months (November to March)
🔹How can my child be protected from RSV?
Most infants can be protected by either maternal RSV vaccine or by receiving the RSV shot. Most infants who’s mother has received the RSV vaccine will not need the RSV shot. Pregnant mothers can receive an RSV vaccine called abrysvo between 32-36 months gestation from September through January and can protect their new baby for up to 6 months. Some pregnant mothers are not eligible to receive abrysvo if their baby is born outside the RSV season.
🔹What if a new mother did not receive the RSV vaccine? Can my baby receive an RSV shot?
The RSV preventative antibody (generic name nirsevimab, brand name Beyfortus) is a preventative antibody that can provide protection against RSV infection. Beyfortus is not an immunization. It is a monoclonal antibody. Think of it like receiving a medication via injection. This provides passive protection and greatly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from RSV. It is a single dose given during RSV season.
🔹Why should my baby receive the RSV shot?
The pediatricians at Milestone Pediatrics universally recommend the RSV shot to eligible patients. It is 90% effective at preventing hospitalization from RSV infection and greatly reduces the risk of death from RSV.
🔹Who should receive the RSV shot?
Newborns born during the RSV season
Babies who are less than 8 months old who are entering their first RSV season
Children 8-19 months old who are at risk of severe RSV disease (congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, neuromuscular diseases, etc.)
🔹When should my child receive the RSV shot?
We will be administering the RSV shot to all eligible babies starting October 1st and continue administering it through March 2026. The RSV shot can be given at the same time as routinely recommended vaccines including the flu shot.
🔹What are the side effects of the RSV shot?
Common side effects include rash and irritation at the injection site.
🔹What if I am interested in getting the RSV shot for my baby?
Talk to your doctor about it. The shot can be given during routine well child visits. You can also call to schedule an appointment for the RSV shot any time after October 1.
