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What is RSV?

RSV stands for Respiratory Synctial Virus. This virus is very common and can make anyone sick. Young children, especially infants, are at higher risk of severe infection. RSV can cause inflammation in the lungs which can make it hard to breathe.

What is Beyfortus?

Beyfortus is a new way to protect your child against RSV—it was FDA approved July 2023. It does not work the same way the typical vaccines do, because it is an antibody that works to block entry of the RSV virus into your cells. In studies it was found to provide benefit for 5 months and reduced the likelihood of developing severe respiratory disease from RSV. During the medication trials, the most common adverse reactions with Beyfortus were rash (0.9%) and injection site reactions (0.3%).

Who can get Beyfortus?

All infants up to 8 months of age are eligible to receive Beyfortus at the start of their first RSV season. RSV season is typically October-March. (If your baby was born April 1 or after of this year they would be eligible until they turn 8 months).

Older infants who remain vulnerable may also qualify to receive Beyfortus prior to the second season of RSV.

These children include:

• Those with high-risk conditions (i.e. chronic lung disease, congenital hear disease, cystic fibrosis)
• Those that are severely immunocompromised
• American Indian/Alaskan Natives

Please note: If your child received this immunization at the end of last season (March of this year) or were eligible to receive it last season they generally will not be eligible to receive it again unless they have specific health conditions.

If your baby’s mother received the RSV vaccine while pregnant, your baby may not need Beyfortus.

Please check with your doctor if you think your child may qualify. Beyfortus is not available for kids >24 months of age.

When can I get this at Sunset Pediatrics?

We are now scheduling appointments for patients to receive the Beyfortus immunization. Please call our office to schedule before your child turns 8 months. Beyfortus can be given at the same time as other routine childhood immunizations and may also be given during a Well Visit if you child has one this fall before turning 8 months old.

For more information on the differences between RSV, COVID-19 and the flu, click here.