What is RSV?
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is a cold virus that affects almost everyone but can be severe in infants and the elderly. RSV affects the smaller airways in infants called bronchioles and causes wheezing and difficulty breathing. This is often referred to as bronchiolitis. It can also cause pneumonia. Some will require hospitalization and oxygen support.
How do we treat RSV?
Because this is a virus, there is no antibiotic to treat this illness. Instead, babies require supportive care and in severe cases, hospitalization and oxygen support.
What is Beyfortus?
Beyfortus is the brand name for Nirsevimab which is monoclonal antibodies directed at a protein on RSV to help prevent it from entering the human cell. It is given by injection.
Is Beyfortus a vaccine?
No, Beyfortus is not a vaccine in that it does not stimulate the immune system to create antibodies against RSV. Instead, it is the antibodies or the defense cells needed by the body to attack RSV and help prevent the baby from getting ill. It’s like injecting the baby with soldiers that will attach themselves to part of the virus and prevent it from entering healthy cells and making baby sick.
Is this the same as Synagis?
Synagis, also known as palivizumab, has been on the market for many years and was only used in high-risk infants (including those born prematurely, required oxygen, have history of congenital heart disease, neuromuscular problems, etc). It, too, is a monoclonal antibody like Beyfortus but is a much shorter acting treatment so requires monthly injections through the RSV season to protect the baby from becoming ill.
Beyfortus differs in that it lasts longer and therefore babies only need one injection to last through the RSV season.
Who is eligible to get this treatment?
- All babies < 8 months of age born during or entering their first RSV season (October 1).
- Any high risk infant 8-19 months of age entering their second RSV season. High risk babies include babies with chronic lung disease of prematurity and require medical support during the 6 months prior to the start of the second season
- Immunocompromised children
- Cystic fibrosis and have signs of severe lung disease
- American Indian and Alaskan Native
If my baby gets Synagis, are they still eligible for Beyfortus or vice versa?
Maybe. If your child received Synagis, they can still get a dose of Beyfortus in the same season as long as it has been 30 days since the last dose of Synagis administered and less than 5 doses have been given. If your child receives Beyfortus, they are no longer eligible for Synagis during that season.
Can my baby still get Beyfortus if mom received RSV vaccine during pregnancy?
Most babies under 8 months whose mothers have received the RSV vaccine > 14 days before giving birth do not need Beyfortus protection. Talk to your doctor about individual circumstances that may affect this decision.
