This fall the CDC has again recommended that all infants less than 8 months of age receive the preventive antibody, Nirsevimab to protect them from RSV, a common virus prevalent in the late fall and winter. Most healthy children have cold symptoms from this virus, but a few can have a more severe case and require hospitalization. As pediatric providers, we are happy to have a way to protect children from the serious complications of this very common and contagious virus. This protection is a one dose shot given at the start of the season (usually October here in Connecticut) for all infants less than 8 months. Some infants 8 months and older who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease may need a single dose of the RSV antibody before or during their second RSV season. These are special circumstances in children with severe cardiac or pulmonary disorders. The immunity will last the season.
Nirsevimab is not a vaccine. Vaccines when administered, stimulate your own immune system to produce antibodies. With Nirsevimab, they are getting the actual antibody—that will remain in their system to protect them for the whole RSV season. This antibody is not new and has been safely used for years. It was only offered to premature babies at risk. Now it is expanded to protect babies under 8 months of age.
Local hospitals are offering this to newborns before they leave the hospital. We will work with the rest of our patients to administer Nirsevimab at well visit exams with other immunizations or at designated nurse visits. Babies whose mothers were vaccinated with the RSV vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to birth, will not need Nirsevimab. The RSV antibody the mothers make will provide protection, by passing the antibody to their babies in utero—this protection lasts until the baby is approximately 6 months of age.
Please see the attached links to read more about this:
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Preventive Antibody Immunization Information Statement | CDC
RSV: When It's More Than Just a Cold - HealthyChildren.org
Nirsevimab Frequently Asked Questions (aap.org)
Healthcare Providers: RSV Immunization for Infants and Young Children | CDC
We have placed an order for Nirsevimab with the state. They are prioritizing the hospital nurseries first. As soon as we hear from the state that we will be receiving doses, we will be contacting families with babies under 8 months of age. Please check your emails daily for an email blast from us or check our website.
FLU CLINIC
Please call and set up an appointment for your child’s flu vaccine as soon as possible. If you are coming in for a physical exam in the next few months, we will offer the flu vaccine at the time of the appointment. As a reminder, all patients 6months and older may receive the flu vaccine. If it is the first season a child under 8 years of age is receiving the vaccine, they will need 2 doses of the flu vaccine separated a month apart. Otherwise it is just one dose per winter season. All daycares and preschools require the flu vaccine to be administered by December 31,2024. For families, all the children can be booked together to receive the vaccine.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. As always, there will be someone on call to answer questions or address concerns. On the days before and after these holidays, our office will be on a modified schedule.