
Preventing RSV Infection
Preventing RSV
We recommend RSV prevention for all our young patients during the 24-25 RSV season. This short article reviews the options and helps you determine whether your child is already protected or will need a Beyfortus shot. If you have any questions, call the office or ask at your next well-child visit.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under a year. It can cause life-threatening problems with breathing, especially in children with heart or lung disease. Although most children with RSV have a mild course, it can lead to hospitalization and severe illness in young children.
Last year, we saw fewer patients with RSV infection than in prior years because of two new RSV prevention products. Abrysvo is a vaccine offered to pregnant women between weeks 32 and 36 that gives babies antibodies against RSV from their mothers. Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody-containing shot that provides babies with antibodies against RSV. It is available to babies less than eight months old by October 1st or born during RSV season. In most cases, if a child’s mother received Abrysvo, the baby will not need Beyfortus.
The RSV shot is not a vaccine. Instead of creating an immune system response to create antibodies like typical vaccines, this shot provides “passive immunity” by giving the baby antibodies ready to fight the virus.
We have had a similar injectable medication for many years, which was only available to babies born very prematurely or with certain types of heart disease. This medication was known as Synagis (palivizumab) and has been used safely for over 20 years. The new medication is Beyfortus (nirsevimab) and is available to all infants during their first RSV season. Although Beyfortus is new, it is similar to Synagis, which has been available for many years and has undergone routine, rigorous testing for effectiveness and safety that all medications must pass. We feel confident in its safety and efficacy for our patients.
Starting October 1st, infants born between October 1st and March 31st should receive one dose of Beyfortus soon after birth. Infants born between February 1st and September 30th should receive one shot of Beyfortus in early October of their first year. High-risk infants may also receive a dose of Beyfortus in the fall of their second RSV season.
Since Beyfortus is not a vaccine, insurance companies cover it like other injectable medications. Some insurance companies apply it to a patient’s deductible or require a copayment.
Our pediatricians highly recommend the RSV shot for all babies under eight months. We are very excited about this critical preventative medication’s impact on our community!
Infants can receive Beyfortus alone or in combination with other vaccines on the same day.
Call the office to schedule your child’s Beyfortus dose!
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5050 Sanderlin
Memphis, TN 38117