McLeod Neonatologist Dr. Apryle Kennedy explains the different kinds of RSV protections that exist and why it’s important to ask your pediatrician or OB/GYN about them.

Parents of young children, especially infants, may be looking for additional ways to protect their little ones from the potentially serious RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), beyond hand washing and sanitizing surfaces. RSV can cause mild, cold-like symptoms in many people, but it can also lead to severe respiratory problems, particularly in infants, toddlers, and those with underlying health conditions.

Each year in the United States, an estimated 58,000 – 80,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized due to RSV. Fortunately, there are now options available to help reduce the risk of severe RSV, including vaccines for pregnant women and monoclonal antibody treatments for infants and young children.

Monoclonal Antibody for Infants: A One-Time Injection for Protection

One of the most effective ways to protect infants from RSV is through the use of a monoclonal antibody called Beyfortus. This treatment is available for infants who are younger than eight months old and entering their first RSV season. According to McLeod Neonatologist Dr. Apryle Kennedy, “If your child is younger than eight months old and they are entering RSV season in the early fall to spring, you can consider giving them a monoclonal antibody.

Beyfortus is a one-time injection that can offer protection against RSV for the entire five-month RSV season, which typically spans from fall to early spring. This treatment is designed to help prevent severe disease, especially in those babies who are most vulnerable to RSV. Babies who get this shot do not need to rely on their own immune system to generate antibodies. Instead, the monoclonal antibody provides them with immediate, temporary protection against the virus.

Additionally, babies who are between eight and 19 months old and at higher risk for severe RSV disease (such as those with chronic lung disease, neuromuscular disorders like Down syndrome, or cystic fibrosis) may also be eligible for this treatment. If you have any concerns about your baby’s risk for RSV, it’s important to discuss monoclonal antibody treatment with your pediatrician.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Mothers: Protecting Your Baby Before Birth

In addition to the monoclonal antibody for infants, there is also an RSV vaccine available for pregnant women, which can offer protection to their babies.

Dr. Kennedy explains, “If you are pregnant and you’re between 32 and 36 weeks of gestational age, moms are actually candidates for an RSV vaccine. This vaccine is different from the monoclonal antibody,” she said. “Pregnant mothers who get the vaccine, they make their own antibodies against RSV and those antibodies actually go through the placenta to provide protection to the babies.”

It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for the mother’s body to mount a full immune response, so it’s recommended to receive the vaccine between September and January.

Once the baby is born, these antibodies from the mother can help protect the newborn throughout their first RSV season. This is especially important for newborns, who are highly vulnerable to RSV during the first few months of life. If you’re pregnant and between 32 and 36 weeks of gestational age, ask your OB/GYN if you’re eligible for the RSV vaccine, as it can significantly reduce the risk of your baby contracting RSV in their first few months.

Differences Between a Vaccine and Monoclonal Antibody

It’s important to understand the difference between the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and the monoclonal antibody treatment for infants:

• RSV Vaccine: This is given to pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. It prompts the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies, which are then passed to the baby via the placenta. This passive immunity helps protect the baby during their first RSV season.
• Monoclonal Antibody: Given directly to babies under eight months old, this is a one-time injection that provides immediate protection for the entire RSV season. Unlike a vaccine, the monoclonal antibody doesn’t rely on the body to generate its own immune response—it simply provides the baby with the necessary antibodies to fight the virus.

Both options are important tools in the fight against RSV, but they are designed to help at different points in a child’s life. If you’re unsure which is best for your family, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Many parents may not be aware of these preventive options, so it’s important to actively inquire about them with your healthcare providers.

Find a OB/GYN  or pediatrician near you.