Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common seasonal respiratory illness that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While most healthy children experience cold-like symptoms, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the United States. New preventative measures are now available to protect newborns and young babies during their most vulnerable period. Understanding the differences between these options and knowing where to access them is crucial for ensuring a child is protected during the annual RSV season.
Understanding the Two Types of RSV Prevention for Infants
The available preventative options for infants fall into two distinct categories: a maternal vaccine and an infant monoclonal antibody injection. It is important to understand that these are not the same, and most infants only require one form of protection.
The maternal vaccine, known as Abrysvo, is administered to the pregnant individual to stimulate their immune system to produce protective antibodies. These antibodies then cross the placenta, transferring passive immunity directly to the fetus before birth. This process offers protection against severe illness for approximately the first six months of the infant’s life.
The alternative is the monoclonal antibody injection, nirsevimab, sold under the brand name Beyfortus. This is not a traditional vaccine because it does not prompt the baby’s immune system to create its own defense. Instead, the shot delivers a dose of lab-made antibodies that immediately begin working to neutralize the virus. This single intramuscular injection provides immediate, passive protection that typically lasts about five months, covering the entire RSV season.
Who Qualifies and When to Seek Protection
The decision of which product to receive depends on the timing of pregnancy and the infant’s age relative to the local RSV season, which generally runs from October through March in most parts of the United States.
The maternal RSV vaccine is specifically recommended for pregnant individuals who are between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation when the RSV season is underway. Receiving the vaccine during this narrow window ensures maximum antibody transfer to the fetus before delivery. Infants whose mothers received the vaccine at least two weeks before giving birth are generally considered protected and do not require the monoclonal antibody injection.
For all other infants, the monoclonal antibody injection is recommended if they are younger than eight months of age and are entering their first RSV season. Babies born during the season should ideally receive the shot within the first week of life, often while still in the hospital.
The monoclonal antibody is also recommended for a smaller group of children aged 8 to 19 months who are entering their second RSV season but have certain high-risk medical conditions. These specific conditions include chronic lung disease from prematurity or severe immunocompromise.
Locating Administration Sites and Scheduling
Accessing the appropriate RSV preventative measure requires proactive scheduling, as product availability can vary by location and time of year.
For pregnant individuals, the maternal vaccine is primarily administered at OB/GYN offices, certain specialized hospital clinics, or retail pharmacies that offer vaccination services. Since the vaccine requires a specific gestational window, pregnant individuals should confirm availability and schedule their appointment well in advance of the 36th week of pregnancy.
The infant monoclonal antibody injection is most commonly administered by pediatricians or family medicine providers during well-child visits. Infants born during the RSV season may receive the injection at the birth hospital before discharge, which is the preferred time for administration.
Due to the high demand and initial supply challenges for the antibody shot, parents should call their pediatrician’s office immediately to confirm if they have the product in stock and to book an appointment. Some retail pharmacies are authorized to administer the monoclonal antibody shot to infants, but this access can be dependent on state regulations and the child’s age.
When seeking the injection, parents should specifically ask for the monoclonal antibody product by name, not simply for an “RSV vaccine,” to ensure they receive the correct item. Finally, verifying insurance coverage for the specific product is necessary, as coverage varies between the maternal vaccine and the infant antibody shot.
Supply and Logistical Considerations
Supply of the infant monoclonal antibody shot has been historically limited due to its high demand, particularly at the start of the RSV season. Therefore, parents must communicate directly with their child’s healthcare provider to confirm inventory status and reservation procedures. Many pediatric offices have waiting lists or specific clinic days dedicated to administering the antibody shot.
Retail pharmacies often use online locators or phone services to check inventory, but parents should always call to confirm the age restrictions and the specific product’s availability.
For the maternal vaccine, availability is generally more consistent, but pregnant individuals should still confirm with their obstetrics provider or pharmacy that the product is in stock during the required 32-to-36-week window. Scheduling early in the season, typically in October or November, maximizes the chance of receiving the product before peak demand.