RSV Overview 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute respiratory tract infections in people of all ages and can cause severe illness in infants and children with certain health conditions. Approximately 58,000-80,000 children under the age of 5 and up to 3% of children in their first year of life are hospitalized due to RSV infection each year in the US. Most children will get an RSV infection before the age of 2 years, and approximately 20-30% of children infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Reinfection is common and is usually less severe than the primary infection.  

In the US, RSV typically circulates from the fall, peaks in December or January and continues through the spring. It is transmitted by direct or close contact with those infected or from touching contaminated surfaces.  

AAP Recommendations

Red Book: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Chapter 

Red Book Online: AAP Recommendations for the Prevention of RSV Disease in Infants and Children

 

RSV Prevention Products  

The following are products to prevent severe RSV infection in children. 

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) 

Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody product that offers protection against RSV infection during the RSV season. It is included in the Vaccines for Children Program and is recommended for all infants (not otherwise protected through vaccination during pregnancy).   

Nirsevimab Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your questions about nirsevimab.

Ordering & Product Information

Considerations for calcuating and financing your orders, product cost, formulation and storage requirements.

Implementation Resources

View these tools to assess readiness and guide implementation of nirsevimab administration in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Administration, Dosing and Schedule

Find the latest recommendations for nirsevimab, dosing guidance and how it is administered.

Nirsevimab Administration Visual Guide

An algorithm to guide practices and facilities who are administering nirsevimab.

Payment and Coding

Learn more about what codes to use to get paid for administering nirsevimab in your practice.

RSVpreF (Abrysvo)

A vaccine for pregnant people to protect their infants from RSV. Antibodies developed by the mother are transferred to the fetus, to help protect the baby once they are born. For more information on recommendations for RSVpreF, visit the CDC site.

Palivizumab (Synagis) 

A short-acting monoclonal antibody product, available since 1998 and recommended for high-risk infants and young children.  

Palivizumab Policy

Updated Guidance for Palivizumab Prophylaxis Among Infants and Young Children at Increased Risk of Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Palivizumab Technical Report

Palivizumab Prophylaxis in Infants and Young Children at Increased Risk of Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Professional Education Resources

Pediatrics in Review: “Implications of Food and Drug Administration Approval of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylactic Medication"

Learn the latest findings for preventing RSV illness and vaccine considerations for your patients to tackle this major public health priority. 

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Early Estimate of Nirsevimab Effectiveness for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Hospitalization Among Infants Entering Their First Respiratory Syncytial Virus Season — New Vaccine Surveillance Network, October 2023–February 2024

This report indicates nirsevimab effectiveness was 90% against RSV-associated hospitalization in infants in their first RSV season.

Educating Families about RSV and Immunizations

The AAP offers resources to help families better understand the risks for severe RSV disease and the benefit of prevention. 

AAP.org – Immunization Discussion Guides
Use these guides to hold conversations about immunizations with families and share family-friendly infographics during or outside of the clinical visit. Guides are available for Maternal and Childhood Immunizations.
AAP RSV Discussion Guide Infographic
share this RSV-specific graphic with families to learn more about their options to protect against severe RSV disease.
HealthyChildren.org – RSV: When It's More Than Just a Cold
HealthyChildren.org – RSV, Flu & COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different?
HealthyChildren.org – RSV, Flu & COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different?
AAP – Pediatric Patient Education: RSV
Requires subscription to Pediatric Care Online to access.
ACOG - Get Your Recommended RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy
Share this video with families to convey the benefits of RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Last Updated

11/05/2024

Source

American Academy of Pedaitrics