After seeing a two-year-old for an ear infection the child’s mom questioned, “I hear there is another vaccine for infants this year. Enough already!” This seemed to be a good teaching moment to clear up some misconceptions about vaccines.

 

Yes, in July of this year the FDA approved Beyfortus for the prevention of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus. It is a virus that causes an acute respiratory infection in infants and older babies. It can lead to fever, cough and runny nose with copious nasal secretions. It can affect all ages but can be most dangerous to young infants, premature babies, babies with chronic lung disease or with congenital heart disease. It may become involved with the lower respiratory tract leading to pneumonia or bronchitis. Bronchiolitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the smaller intermediate-sized bronchioles in the lungs. This can cause wheezing, decreased oxygen levels in the lungs, increased work of breathing and fatigue. It is said that 1% to 3% of all children under 12 months of age in the United States will be hospitalized with RSV every year. Seven out of ten babies will be infected with RSV by the time they are one year old.

 

RSV is a seasonal virus that typically starts in the fall and peaks during the winter.

 

Then it fazes out by spring. It is very contagious and is spread by respiratory secretions…sneezing, coughing or touching contaminated surfaces then rubbing one’s face or eyes. Once one has been exposed to the virus about three-to-five days later symptoms can occur.
 

There is a vaccine for RSV.

 

A vaccine is a biological agent that is made from a weakened or killed form of the microbe (bacteria or virus) that causes disease in man. It can be made from a portion of the microbe itself, its toxins or one of the surface proteins. The vaccine is injected into the body which tricks the immune system to think there is an infection. It then produces antibodies against the offending agent. This is known as active immunization.

 

Beyfortus is actually NOT a vaccine.

 

It is made of monoclonal antibodies, man-made proteins that directly protect the body against the RSV virus. It is essentially “pre-formed” antibodies. Thus the immune system does not have to be stimulated to produce antibodies against RSV. This is known as passive immunization.
 

A pregnant woman can be given this vaccine during the 32-36th week. This will protect her new baby after it is born.

 

Beyfortus is recommended for all newborns and infants who are born during or entering their first RSV season. It is a single intramuscular injection expected to provide protection for five months. Babies who are at high risk and vulnerable to RSV should get Beyfortus in the second RSV season, up to 19 months of age. This would include babies with congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease or those with a weakened immune system. It has been shown to be very safe. It is projected to reduce the risk of severe RSV disease by 80%. If the mother received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy it is recommended that her newborn get Beyfortus if it was delivered within 14 days of mom getting the vaccine.

 

As it stands now, the one drawback of Beyfortus is the cost. It costs $550 and some insurances are not covering it (as of yet).