RSV Immunization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended Beyfortus to help protect infants at increased risk of severe illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Though RSV peaks regularly each year between mid-September through mid-May, it is generally persistent and can affect your child year-round. The Beyfortus immunization will provide protection from RSV for a full year.

The trade name of this immunization is Beyfortus. It is a long-acting monoclonal antibody product, which has been proven to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants.

Antibodies are part of our immune system and help us fight infections. Monoclonal antibodies are man-made proteins that mimic the antibodies that our bodies naturally produce. Making this immunization available means that babies will be able to receive antibodies to prevent severe RSV disease, providing a critical tool to protect against a virus that is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the U.S.

RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illness and results in annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. An estimated 58,000 to 80,000 children under five years of age, most infants, are hospitalized annually  nationwide due to RSV infection. A very small percentage of infections can lead to death in children less than five years of age.  

Beyfortus was approved by the FDA in July 2023 and is available at each of our care centers.