New RSV vaccine available to high-risk infants this season

IDAHO FALLS – RSV is a concern for newborns and toddlers every year during flu season, but now there’s a vaccine for it.

Dr. Todd Jacobs of The Pediatric Center in Idaho Falls tells EastIdahoNews.com Beyfortus hit the market about two weeks ago. It’s a new vaccine that is 70% effective in vaccinating 0-2 year olds for RSV.

“We’ve been waiting for a vaccine for years, so this is big news in the pediatric world,” Jacobs says. “We’ve had a very similar vaccine for high-risk preemies we’ve been giving for years … but it’s very expensive and you had to give them the shot once a month throughout the RSV season.”

How the vaccine works is similar to the preemie shot, Jacobs explains. It doesn’t rely on boosting the baby’s immune system, rather it gives them an antibody to fight the infection. But the new vaccine is good for five months and is only administered once, says Jacobs.

“The main side effects babies are getting are the same they get with any of the other immunizations,” says Jacobs. “No additional side effects for this one. It’s proving to be safe in the studies.”

Jacobs isn’t sure why it’s taken so long to get a vaccine.

Since the medication is brand new, it’s not widely available yet. For now, only those most at risk qualify to receive it. Newborns to 8-month-old babies are the most vulnerable.

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is one of the biggest culprits for respiratory distress and illness in little ones each winter. It causes runny nose, cough, congestion and other cold-like symptoms, Jacobs says.

“It’s most notorious for causing problems with the lungs in young children,” he says. “At that point, little ones have difficulty breathing.”

Many infants who get it end up in the ER. More severe cases can be deadly, says Jacobs. Babies can recover, but sometimes it can take six months to a year or longer before their lungs are back to normal. This makes them more susceptible to other strains of the virus or other infections, he says.

“We do consider a baby who’s had RSV in the past a little bit higher risk. If they get a cold, they’re at a higher risk for it to affect their lungs,” Jacobs says.

Jacobs is encouraging parents of young children to ask their doctor about Beyfortus. Though babies 8 months or younger are the only ones that qualify at the moment, Jacobs says it will be available to older children as the rollout progresses.

Babies younger than 19 months who are a high risk may qualify as well. Contact your doctor for more information.