“RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a severe viral illness that occurs in our communities each fall and winter. RSV is NOT a new virus, despite what some may think. RSV remains the number one cause of hospitalization in infants under 1 year of age and some of these infants suffer from the consequences of this virus for years. What is NEW is the development and FDA approval of a new ‘vaccine’ that can give our youngest clientele some passive immunity to get through their first RSV season. Beyfortus is a NEW one time “vaccine” for infants birth to 8 months of age that will give them the protection they need! This can be a total game-changer for our littlest of patients. It is heartbreaking to see our infants wheezing and struggling to breathe and then telling the parents they need to go to the hospital. To be able to prevent serious illness by giving a few months of immunity in one shot is incredible! Science and the progress we continue to make in disease prevention justifies all the hard work we do as medical professionals,” noted AAHPO Board Member and pediatrician Lynn Cetin, MD.

“Parents are already asking me about this important protection for infants,” noted AAHPO Vice President and pediatrician Garbis Baydar, MD.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending all infants under 8 months receive the new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while also providing guidance for continued use of palivizumab (an injection used to prevent RSV) in the 2023-’24 season.

“Pediatricians are sadly familiar with the dangers of RSV and its devastating consequences for some families,” AAP President Sandy L. Chung, M.D., FAAP, said in a press release. “We are eager to offer all infants this protection and urge federal officials to see that it is made available and affordable in all communities.”

RSV causes about 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths per year in children under 5 years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody given as an intramuscular injection that is intended to protect children against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in mid-July and the CDC in early August. It is expected to be available this fall, although some children may not have immediate access.

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