Tanner Health is now offering a preventative antibody immunization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to help protect infants in their early months. This treatment enhances babies' immunity against RSV, a virus that poses a serious threat to infant health, particularly in their first months of life.
RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections, often presenting with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever and wheezing. While most children will encounter RSV by age two and recover within a week or two, it can be much more dangerous for infants — particularly newborns — and those with underlying health conditions. .jpg)
As one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants, RSV can be mitigated through the administration of nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus), an RSV preventive antibody. Unlike vaccines that prompt the immune system to create antibodies, nirsevimab provides immediate protection by delivering antibodies directly into the infant’s system. This passive immunization offers crucial protection when infants are most vulnerable to severe RSV.
Nirsevimab can be given to eligible infants before they are discharged from the hospital after birth. For mothers who receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, the timing of administration is important: If the vaccine is given more than two weeks before delivery, the baby may not need the antibody. However, if given within two weeks of delivery, it is recommended baby receives it to ensure adequate protection.
“RSV is one of the most common reasons infants are hospitalized each year,” said Dr. Preeti Singh, pediatric specialist at Tanner Health. “By offering RSV preventive antibodies, we can help reduce the severity of RSV infections in infants, potentially preventing thousands of hospital visits.”
RSV infections generally peak during the fall and winter months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV season runs from late fall through early spring. To offer maximum protection, the RSV antibody should be administered to eligible infants ahead of or during the season, helping to prevent severe cases before they arise.
Nirsevimab is recommended for the following infants:
- Infants born during RSV season (typically fall through spring): A single dose should be administered within one week after birth.
- Infants born outside RSV season who are younger than 8 months as they enter their first RSV season: They should receive the treatment prior to the start of RSV season to provide protection.
- Infants at higher risk for severe RSV, such as those born prematurely or with certain medical conditions, may need an additional dose during their second RSV season for continued protection.
- Infants whose mothers did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine more than two weeks before delivery.
This treatment is not limited to a post-delivery hospital setting: it is also available at a child’s pedatrician’s office within one week after birth. If a baby did not receive the antibody after delivery and parents wish to pursue it, they should discuss this with the child’s pediatrician during their first visit to ensure timely administration.
“This innovative treatment represents a vital step toward safeguarding our newborns during RSV season,” Dr. Singh said. “We’re excited to see parents actively choosing prevention, and we encourage all families to learn more about how they can protect their babies, ensuring a stronger, healthier start to life.”
By taking advantage of this innovative treatment, parents can help prevent the worst outcomes associated with RSV, ensuring their infants have a stronger, healthier start to life. For more information on how to schedule the treatment before RSV season ends, or to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician, visit tanner.org/tanner-healthcare-for-children.