RSV Vaccination for Infants
The RSV Infant Vaccination Will Soon Be Available
Dr Munn is here to help you better understand the new infant RSV Vaccination. Watch this video and take a look at the FAQs bellow!
What is RSV?
- RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus
- It is a common virus affecting children and adults causing cold like symptoms
- Spreads from late fall to early spring
- In infants, it can cause more severe lung inflammation called ‘Bronchiolitis’
- Bronchiolitis can in some cases be severe and even life threatening
- Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of hospitalization for infants under 1 year of age
What does an immunization for RSV do?
- It provides antibodies to an infant that will help them fight the virus
- It works immediately to provide protection and will last 6 months (the time period when an infant is most vulnerable to severe illness)
- It reduces hospitalization due to RSV by approx. 80%
How do we know RSV immunization for infants is safe?
- Studies across Canada, the US, and Europe of over a million infants have shown that this is safe
- We have had an RSV immunization for high-risk infants in Ontario for almost 20 years with proven safety
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This immunization was short acting and only lasted a month, so it was only used for very premature babies or babies with significant medical illnesses who were most at risk
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The current immunization is similar but lasts longer and is therefore now feasible to provide for all infants
What are the side effects for infants?
- Side effects are usually mild and last only a few days
- Common side effects are similar to other vaccinations that infants receive
- This includes: redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site, rash, and/or fever
Which infants can get the RSV immunization?
- All infants born in 2024 before the RSV season
- All infants born during the 2024/25 RSV season
- Up to 2 years of age and vulnerable from severe RSV illness:
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Chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, immunodeficiency, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, neuromuscular disease, congenital airway anomalies and others (speak to your health provider if unsure)
How is the immunization given?
- One time injection (often in the thigh muscle) by a health provider
When can an infant get the immunization?
- if your baby is born during the RSV season, it is recommended that the immunization be given soon after birth to provide protection in their first few months of life when they are most vulnerable
- if your baby is born in 2024 prior to the RSV season (or if they have a high-risk illness and are up to 2 years of age), it is recommended that they receive the RSV immunization shortly before the RSV season begins
Where can my child get the immunization?
- It is recommended that it be given at the hospital before your baby is discharged home after birth
- For infants that did not receive it at birth it can given at our office:
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If your infant is eligible and you would like to book in for an immunization please call our front desk to make an appointment
Can it be given at the same time as vaccines during the 2, 4 or 6 month check up?
- Yes
What about the RSV vaccine during pregnancy?
- This is an option recommended for pregnant people who plan not to give the RSV immunization to their infant
- It is given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if the baby’s due date is near the start of or during the RSV season
- The vaccine helps the pregnant person’s immune system create antibodies that can be passed to the baby during pregnancy
- It protects the baby for 5-6 months
- It is less effective than the RSV immunization of the infant: it reduces the risk of hospitalization from RSV by 57% (as opposed to 80%)
- This vaccine in pregnancy can be given at our office
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If you are eligible and would like to book in for a vaccine please call our front desk to make an appointment
Other recommended resources
https://www.pcmch.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/pcmch-rsv-parent-fact-sheet.pdf