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RSV Vaccine
About RSV
RSV (full name: Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants. It is active mainly in late fall and winter (between November and March), and by age 2, almost all infants have been infected with it. Premature infants and infants with congenital heart and lung conditions are at higher risk of developing severe illness, complications, and even death from the virus. The virus is responsible for about 25% of hospitalizations of infants and toddlers due to pneumonia and about 75% of hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways). It is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants during their first year of life.
The illness usually causes a low-grade fever, runny nose, and cough, and in more severe cases, pneumonia. There is no specific treatment for this illness other than supportive care, such as saline inhalation, oxygen when needed, or mechanical ventilation in severe cases.
RSV is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through close contact, including contact with the eyes and nose, as well as through coughing and sneezing. In addition, people who have been infected with RSV can become infected again and again throughout their lives, but the first infection carries the greatest risk of complications, especially if it occurs before age 1.
The RSV Vaccine
To protect infants early in life, an RSV vaccine is given as part of the routine immunization schedule. The vaccine is safe and effective. It has been approved in more than 50 countries and is administered in about 25 countries, including the United States and Australia. To date, millions of doses have been given to infants and toddlers, and studies show that, on average, it reduces the number of hospitalizations due to the illness by 83%.
Vaccine name: Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) or Enflonsia (Clesrovimab).
Vaccine composition: The vaccine is a passive vaccine, meaning that it does not activate the infant's own immune system. Instead, it contains a specific antibody against RSV (and does not contain the virus or any part of it). The antibody prevents the virus from attaching to and entering cells in the respiratory system, thereby preventing the illness.
Who the vaccine is for: The vaccine is intended for infants during their first RSV season.
The vaccine will also be given during the second RSV season to infants and toddlers who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. These include premature infants or children who were born prematurely, have chronic lung disease, and required supportive treatment, as well as other cases specified in the immunization guidelines.
How the vaccine is given: The vaccine is given by injection into the thigh.
When the vaccine is given: The timing of vaccination for infants depends on their date of birth:
| Date of birth | When the vaccine is given | Where the vaccine is given |
|
Those born between 1.9 and 31.3 |
Before discharge from the hospital after birth | Hospital |
|
Those born between 1.4 and 31.8 |
In late summer and early fall, before the RSV season begins. The vaccine will be given during a routine visit to the Family Care Center | Family Care Center |
|
Those born at any other time who, for any reason, were not vaccinated at the hospital |
At the earliest opportunity, shortly before or during the RSV season. The vaccine will be given during a routine visit to the Family Care Center | Family Care Center |
|
Those born at any other time who need vaccination during their second RSV season |
In late summer and early fall, before the second RSV season begins. The vaccine will be given during a routine visit to the Family Care Center | Family Care Center |
- Infants who were supposed to receive the vaccine at the hospital but were not vaccinated - can be vaccinated at a Family Care Center during routine visits.
- Infants who also need a dose during their second RSV season - can be vaccinated at a Family Care Center before the start of the RSV season.
- Children who have undergone surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass may receive an additional dose of the vaccine after surgery.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
A small number of people who receive the vaccine may experience side effects after vaccination, but these are usually mild and go away on their own:
-
Redness, swelling, and pain where the shot was given -
Rash -
Rare side effects: vomiting, diarrhea
- Redness, swelling, and pain where the shot was given: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- Rash: May appear within 14 days after vaccination.
- Rare side effects: Vomiting, diarrhea.
When to Contact an HMO or Emergency Medical Center After Vaccination
- If the baby seems apathetic.
- If there is a fever that does not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If there are changes in appetite or eating patterns that do not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If there is any reaction that causes you concern or worry.