Prevent RSV with Beyfortus

Protect Your Little Ones from RSV with Beyfortus

Dear parents and caregivers, as you know, respiratory illnesses are common in children, and some can be particularly dangerous. One such illness is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can cause mild symptoms like a runny nose and cough but can also progress to more severe symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing. We’re excited to share a new tool that can help protect your little ones from severe RSV disease: Beyfortus (nirsevimab).

Beyfortus: A New Hope Against RSV

Beyfortus is a long-acting monoclonal antibody product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Beyfortus works by giving your child antibodies that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens like viruses, which can prevent or lessen the severity of an RSV infection. It’s not a vaccine but a preventative treatment that offers passive immunity for about five months, long enough to get through most RSV seasons.

Who Should Get Beyfortus?

The CDC recommends one dose of Beyfortus for all infants younger than eight months, born during – or entering – their first RSV season (typically fall through spring). Beyfortus is also recommended for children 8 to 19 months with conditions that put them at high risk of becoming very sick if they get RSV. These include:

Prematurity
Chronic lung disease
Congenital heart disease
Cystic fibrosis
Weakened immune system
Neuromuscular disorders and disorders that make it hard for babies to swallow and clear mucus.

Beyfortus reduces the risk of hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants. It provides critical protection during a baby’s first RSV season when they’re most at risk for severe illness.

When Should My Child Receive a Dose of Beyfortus?

Babies born during or shortly before RSV season should receive a single dose of Beyfortus within a week of birth.
Infants under eight months old should receive a single dose of Beyfortus shortly before the start of the RSV season.
Babies 8 to 19 months of age at increased risk of severe RSV disease should receive a single dose of Beyfortus shortly before their second RSV season.

How Can My Child Receive Beyfortus?

The Pediatric Care Center offices in Bristol and Southington are now scheduling appointments for patients to receive the Beyfortus shot. You can contact Bristol at (860) 589-4501, Southington at (860) 628-5767, or book an office visit online via our portal.

Wrapping Up

The introduction of Beyfortus represents a significant step forward in our ability to protect our little ones from severe RSV disease. We at the PCC are now offering the Beyfortus shot for babies and toddlers who meet the recommended criteria. As always, having conversations with your child’s healthcare provider about the best ways to protect them from illnesses like RSV is vital.

Remember, we’re in this together, working towards the health and happiness of our precious little ones!

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about health and related subjects. The information and other content in this blog post or any linked materials are not intended to replace medical advice and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.