Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibodies

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a severe lower respiratory illness

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Infants

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    Recommended for all infants younger than 8 months and children 8-19 months with certain health conditions whose birth parent did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.

    Given during the first week of life for infants born during RSV season (typically October through March); given October through November for children born before RSV season (April through September) and children with certain health conditions

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against mild RSV infection symptoms like runny nose, congestion, cough, fever, lack of energy and appetite
    • Protects against more severe RSV infection which can cause:
      • Bronchitis (infection of the large breathing tubes)
      • Bronchiolitis (infection of the small breathing tubes)
      • Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
      • Croup (infection of the voice box)
      • Apnea (temporary stopping of breathing)
      • Worsening of asthma or other chronic conditions
      • Hospitalization or death
    • Helps stop the virus from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild rash

    Side effects from injections are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that injection side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • Beyfortus – 1 dose
    • Enflonsia – 1 dose

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Are monoclonal antibodies the same as a vaccine?

    While both provide protection against RSV, they are not the same. RSV monoclonal antibodies give babies instant protection against RSV with pre-made antibodies. These are similar to the antibodies our bodies make after we get sick.  The RSV vaccine given to adults works by teaching the immune system to make its own antibodies over several weeks.

     

    If a birth parent receives an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, does the baby still need protection?

    Typically, no. If the birth parent was vaccinated while they were 32 to 36 weeks and 6 days pregnant, the protective antibodies were passed along to the baby. If the birth parent was vaccinated less than two weeks before delivery, the baby may be eligible to get monoclonal antibodies.