By: José R. Romero, MD, FAAAS, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS
Infections with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are most common during late fall through early spring months. The timing can be different in some parts of the country.
The RSV virus can make infants and young children very sick. But immunizations are available to keep them healthy so they can avoid serious illness. Here's what to know.
Helping to keep babies out of the hospital
Nearly all infants are infected by RSV by 2 years of age. Without immunization, many infants would require a trip to the pediatrician, emergency room or hospital to treat RSV complications.
RSV is the
most common cause of hospitalization in infants under 1 year of age. The infection can spread to the lungs and cause serious breathing problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all babies be protected from severe RSV by one of two options.
Which RSV immunization to get
There are two ways to protect babies from severe RSV disease. Babies are protected when their mother receives the vaccine licensed for use in pregnant people near the end of pregnancy. If that is not an option, babies can be immunized at birth or during RSV season. Either choice is very effective at preventing babies from being hospitalized.
In most parts of the U.S., RSV season lasts from October through March and peaks in December or January. If you live in Alaska, Florida or outside the continental U.S., talk to your health care provider about when RSV immunization is recommended where you live.
For infants and young children
RSV immunization is recommended for infants under 8 months of age during RSV season, which is generally October through March.
It is also recommended for some children age 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
The antibodies in the RSV immunization specifically made for babies (nirsevimab, known by the brand name Beyfortus, and clesrovimab, also known as Enflonsia) work right away to protect them against RSV disease. The protection lasts for at least 5 months. The shot is up to 90% effective in preventing infants from being hospitalized with RSV.
For pregnant people
If you are pregnant and your baby will be born during RSV season, you can receive the RSV vaccine (RSVpreF, also known as Abrysvo). You can get the vaccine during pregnancy starting at 32 weeks through 36 weeks, during the months of September through March 1.
When you get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, you make antibodies and pass them to your baby. So, your little one is protected after they are born and will not need the immunization after birth. The antibodies passed during pregnancy protect the baby for about 6 months after birth.
After receiving the RSV shot during your pregnancy, it takes about 14 days for the immune protection from the vaccine to pass through the placenta to your baby. Then, the baby will be born with immunity to RSV through the season you received the shot. If your baby is born less than 14 days after you received the RSV vaccine, they will need to get the immunization specifically made for them to ensure protection against RSV.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant people is given just once. If you received the RSV vaccine during any pregnancy, you should not get another dose if you are pregnant again. Babies born from later pregnancies should receive the immunization for babies (nirsevimab or clesrovimab ).
Remember
Getting recommended immunizations helps protect you and your baby from serious diseases. RSV spreads easily through direct contact. It also spreads by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your face, for example, or through droplets from a cough or sneeze that get into your eyes, nose or mouth.
Without immunization, many infants would require a trip to the pediatrician, emergency room, or hospital to treat RSV complications
In addition to the vaccine, other ways to avoid infections include washing your hands and staying away from crowded indoor spaces.
If you have questions about RSV or other illnesses that spread during respiratory virus season, talk with your pediatrician.
More information
About Dr. Romero
 José R. Romero, MD, FAAAS, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, is a pediatric infectious diseases specialist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases. He has over four decades of experience in academic pediatrics and public health. He was a member and Chairman of the Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
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