The New RSV Shot for Infants – Not Available at EPG and in Limited Supply

As parents, it’s natural to worry about your child’s health. The new RSV shot offers peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to safeguard your child against a potentially serious illness.

The New RSV Shot for Infants – Not Available at EPG and in Limited Supply (November through March). Due to severe shortages however, the CDC has limited which babies can receive the vaccine.

Insurers have not committed to paying for the vaccine. VFC and the manufacturer have suspended orders. There are limited locations in Rochester giving the vaccine. Therefore, we apologize but it does not look like we will be able to offer Beyfortus this season.

What is RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common virus that can cause severe respiratory infections in some infants and young children. It is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract, particularly in infants and young children.

RSV is spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth and nose. Symptoms for RSV can range from mild cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In some cases, RSV infections can become life-threatening, especially for premature infants and babies with weakened immune systems.

The New RSV Shot

A new, single-injection shot aimed at protecting babies from RSV was recently approved by the FDA. Both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that all babies under 8 months and high-risk children under 19 months receive the newly approved drug called nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, before or during their first RSV season (November through March).

Benefits of the RSV Shot

Preventing Severe Illness: The primary benefit of the new RSV shot is its potential to prevent severe respiratory infections caused by the virus. By having your child get this shot, you’re reducing the risk of them experiencing the most serious symptoms of RSV, which can lead to hospitalization.

baby getting RSV shotProtection for High-Risk Infants: Premature infants, babies with congenital heart disease, and those with chronic lung conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe RSV infections. The shot offers crucial protection for these vulnerable infants, helping to shield them from potentially devastating complications.

Currently availability of the shot and insurance payment for the shot are uncertain.
We are working with the Children’s Hospital to get answers to these questions. Likely the shot will be offered to newborns in the hospital before they leave the hospital. We will update this post as we get more information.

Have questions? Talk to your provider at Elmwood Pediatrics

It’s natural for parents to have questions and concerns about any new RSV shot.

Before making the decision to vaccinate your child against RSV, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician at Elmwood Pediatrics. They can provide you with accurate, up-to-date information, address any concerns you may have, and help you make an informed decision about your child’s healthcare.

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