Four Things to Know About the New RSV Antibody for Kids

Mother holding infant and looking at thermometer.

Flu, colds, and COVID-19 — you know the drill when it comes to the fall and winter months. But there’s another culprit on the seasonal sickness scene: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While most people recover from this cold-like illness on their own, it can cause serious complications for infants. In fact, some babies younger than six months of age will even need to be hospitalized.

Now, there’s a new drug to help protect kids from severe infection. Recently approved by the FDA, nirsevimab (Beyfortus) should be making its way into pediatrician’s offices this fall. Here’s what you need to know.

1. It’s a drug, not a vaccine.

Despite what you might think, nirsevimab is not a vaccine. Vaccines amp up the body’s immune system so that it starts making antibodies to ward off viruses and more. But with nirsevimab, the immune system doesn’t get involved.

Instead, nirsevimab enters the body ready to bind to the RSV virus and block it from causing any harm. Your little one’s immune system doesn’t have to do a thing.

2. It’s the second RSV antibody available for children.

There’s also palivizumab (Synagis), the first antibody approved for use in kids against RSV. However, palivizumab is recommended only for babies who were born prematurely and are younger than six months of age. It protects against RSV for about a month.

In contrast, nirsevimab can protect your infant for five months. And studies have shown that it lowers the odds of your little one needing RSV hospital care by more than 75%.

3. Any baby younger than eight months of age should get nirsevimab.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that infants younger than eight months of age receive one shot of the drug before or during RSV season, which generally peaks in the fall and winter months. Kids between ages eight and 19 months might also need a second dose the next year if they’re at high risk for severe RSV. If you’re not sure whether your child should get a second dose, talk with their pediatrician.

4. Nirsevimab doesn’t prevent RSV completely.

While it’s true that nirsevimab defends against RSV complications and severe infections, it’s still possible for your baby to get a mild case after getting their shot. That’s why it’s so important to always practice safe hygiene tips, like covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often with soap and water, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces and items (think doorknobs, toys and cups).

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our E-newsletter

Subscribe