Tis The Season for RSV: What your child’s pediatrician wants you to know.

‘Tis The Season for RSV: What your child’s pediatrician wants you to know.

October 1 marks the beginning of RSV season. As cooler weather approaches and holiday gatherings begin, pediatricians start seeing more cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Fortunately, continual advances in science have given pediatricians a way to protect the most vulnerable population.

WHAT IS RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that causes common cold symptoms. However, infants and young children are at risk of severe illness, including breathing difficulties, pneumonia and even hospitalization. In the United States, nearly 80,000 children under five are hospitalized annually due to the RSV infection. Infants are 16 times more likely to be hospitalized for RSV compared to influenza.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM RSV

With most vaccines, your body responds by making its own antibodies against a specific virus or bacteria, a process that can take up to 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine. The RSV injection is different and directly provides your baby with antibodies to RSV without them having to make their own. The benefit of this approach is that there is not an immune response after the injection so there are minimal to no side effects. In the clinical trials comparing the RSV injection to placebo, there was no difference in side effects between the two groups. In both groups, some patients experienced redness at the site of the injection or a rash afterwards.

Because the RSV injection is directly providing antibodies, your baby will have protection effective immediately after receiving it. It is important to note that your baby may still get sick with RSV this season even if they have received this injection. However the severity of the infection is dramatically reduced if your baby already has antibodies present in their body ready to fight off the virus.

During the 2024-2025 RSV season, data from 160 emergency rooms and 131 hospitals showed the RSV injection was 63% effective at preventing RSV-related ER visits and 80-90% effective at reducing hospitalizations.

WHICH CHILDREN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE RSV INJECTION?

• All children under 8 months old if the mother did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine at least 14 days before birth or if the timing is unknown
• Some children aged 8–19 months with specific chronic conditions (ask your pediatrician for guidance)

Protecting your child from RSV is one of the most important steps you can take this winter. By staying informed and scheduling your child’s RSV injection early in the season, you’re giving them the best chance to avoid serious illness. At Forest Lane Pediatrics, our physicians are here to answer your questions, guide you through eligibility and ensure your child stays healthy throughout RSV season.

RSV Injection – Take Action Today:

To request an RSV injection for children under 8 months old, please securely text us at (972) 687-7731. A member of our team will promptly contact you to assist with scheduling and provide any additional information you need.