RSV vaccine- should I get it, should my baby get it?

RSV is a respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in young infants and immunocompromised people. Almost all children will get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. Many will recover in a week or so without many problems. However in infants (especially preemies or babies with complex medical problems), they may become sicker with RSV than older children. They can have difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, become dehydrated from not eating, and may even require hospitalization. We now have 2 options to protect our babies from RSV.

Abrysvo (Given to pregnant patients)

Your OB may have been asked you during your OB visit if you want to get the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo. This is recommended for pregnant patients and is given between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. The idea is that the mother will naturally transfer the antibodies to the growing fetus so the baby will be protected from the RSV virus when it is born.

Beyfortus (Given to babies)

Another option if you did not get the RSV vaccine when you were pregnant is to give the RSV vaccine to your baby after he/she is born. This vaccine is called Beyfortus (nirsevimab). This can be given up to 8 month of age. Ideally it should be given within the first week of life to maximize protection for your baby. If you received the Abrysvo vaccine during pregnancy and it was given more than 14 days prior to your baby's birth, your baby does not need to get the Beyfortus vaccine.

Prior to these RSV vaccines, we had the Synagis vaccine for RSV. This was only used in premature babies or infants with severe medical conditions. It is given as a once a month injection for RSV season (October through March). Of note: If you live in Florida, RSV season is year round. With the Beyfortus vaccine, just a one time dose gives protection for the first year of life, the time when babies are most susceptible to getting sick/hospitalized from RSV.

I'm sure you want to know the side effects of these vaccines. I have listed them below.

Side effects:

Abrysvo: pain at injection site, headache, muscle pain, nausea, fainting. Recommended to be given at 32-26 weeks of pregnancy to avoid potential risk of preterm birth.

Beyfortus: pain, redness, swelling (at site where vaccine was given), rash

For a full list of side effects please refer to the vaccine information statement links below.

References:

cdc.gov. Immunization Information Statement. Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody :9/25/2023.

cdc.gov. RSV Vaccine Guidance for Pregnant People