Passive RSV Vaccine

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in infants. Primarily active in the end of autumn, winter and spring, nearly all infants under the age of two contract RSV. Premature infants and infants with congenital cardiopulmonary diseases are at greater risk of serious illness, complications and even death that may be caused by the virus.

Symptoms of the disease generally include low grade fever, runny nose and cough, and in severe cases, pneumonia. RSV is extremely infectious and is transmitted between people through close contact, such as eyes and nose, as well as by coughing and sneezing. Anyone who has contracted RSV can contract the virus again and again.

The virus causes about 25% of hospitalizations of infants and babies due to pneumonia and 75% of hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the bronchioles).

The vaccine

The RSV vaccine is a unique passive vaccine. In other words, it contains specific 'ready-made' antibodies against the virus so that the body does not need to produce them on its own. The vaccine is designed to protect premature infants and infants with congenital heart and lung diseases as they are vulnerable to contracting this illness. Doses must be repeatedly administered during the active virus season, which lasts from autumn to spring.

The vaccine is not included in the immunization schedule, and is administered in the HMOs to infants at risk during the first and second year of life, in accordance with the criteria specified below.

• Name of vaccine: Palivizumab.
• Vaccine ingredients: antibodies to the A and B subtypes of RSV.
• Vaccination schedule: the vaccine is administered in 5 doses throughout RSV active season, one dose per month between November 1st and March 31st.
• How and where the vaccine is given: the vaccine is injected into the thigh.

When the vaccine should be given

The RSV vaccine is given to infants and babies according to Ministry of Health criteria, for a period of time that is adjusted to their case:

• Premature infants who suffer from chronic lung disease and who need treatment with oxygen – will receive the vaccine in the first two years of life.
• Premature infants with BPD lung disease (Broncho Pulmonary Dysplasia) who were diagnosed at the corrected age of 36 weeks of pregnancy, and who need treatment with oxygen, diuretics, corticosteroids or bronchodilators – will receive the vaccine in the first year of life.
• Babies with congenital heart disease, if one of the following applies: they receive medications for heart failure; they have moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension; they have cyanotic heart disease – will receive the vaccine in the first year of life.
• Infants with severe chronic lung disease – will receive the vaccine in the first year of life.
• Infants whose birth weight is less than 1 kg – will receive the vaccine in the first year of life.
• Infants who were born before week 32 and 6 days of pregnancy – will receive the vaccine in the first year of life.
• Infants who were born before week 34 and 6 days of pregnancy – will receive the vaccine in the first half year of their life.

Possible side effects following the vaccination and how to relieve them

A small percentage of those who receive the vaccine may experience side effects that are typically mild and disappear on their own:

• Redness, swelling and pain at the injection site: a clean cloth dampened with lukewarm water may be placed on the injection site. Avoid massaging the site.
• Fever: a preparation can be given to reduce fever and ease pain.
• Unrest, rash, diarrhea.
• Rare side effects: runny nose, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, low white blood cell count, liver dysfunction, allergic reaction.

For more information about possible side effects of vaccines