We Finally Have an RSV Vaccine for Children

For most people who get RSV, it may just be a cold, but for babies, it can be life-threatening . Fortunately, we now have immunizations that can protect the little ones, and the CDC advisory panel has recommended that all infants under 8 months of age get a dose at the start of the RSV season (usually in the fall—just like a flu shot). ). Here’s what you need to know about the new vaccine.

What is RSV again?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, causes cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and sneezing. For many people, this is all it takes; you may have had RSV and didn’t even know it.

But the virus can become life-threatening for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. It is also especially dangerous for babies, especially premature babies and babies under 6 months of age. (There was a surge in RSV cases last winter, and we have an explanation for the virus and its surge here .)

What is the new RSV vaccine for infants?

The RSV vaccine for babies is actually a monoclonal antibody called nersevimab (brand name of Beyfortus) and it provides protection for several months. Most vaccines cause your body to make its own antibodies, but this vaccine simply delivers the antibodies themselves.

This is the first “passive” vaccine on the children’s vaccination schedule (passive immunity means the child’s immune system doesn’t have to do anything). Babies already acquire passive immunity to certain diseases through antibodies they receive through breastfeeding and from placental blood before birth. It is nothing new for children to passively receive antibodies; this is only the first time they have been able to be administered as a routine vaccine.

Antibodies are more expensive than most vaccines, but vaccines on the standard childhood vaccination schedule must be covered by insurance plans. If your child is not insured, or if their insurance does not cover vaccinations for any reason, they can still get their vaccinations (including RSV) free of charge through the government’s Children’s Vaccines program . The program also provides free vaccines for Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native children.

CNN reports that the vaccine will cost insurers $495, while the Vaccines for Children program will pay a lower price of $395. Out-of-pocket spending for parents is $0.

Who should get the new RSV vaccine for babies?

The vaccine is recommended for all children under 8 months of age who are either born during RSV season or who are under 8 months of age at the start of RSV season. (The season may vary depending on the year and your location, but is usually around October through March.) The vaccine is expected to be available in time for this year’s RSV season.

Some children between the ages of 8 and 19 months should still receive a dose of the vaccine next year if they are at high risk of complications, such as children with severe immunodeficiency.

For adults, two RSV vaccines were also approved earlier this year for people over 60 years of age. In announcing this vaccine, the CDC noted that people who may want to get it include “adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with compromised immune systems. and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.”