For new and expectant parents, hearing about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time can feel unsettling. With so much information surrounding RSV season, it can be difficult to know what your newborn needs and how you can protect them. The good news is that there are effective ways to help protect babies from severe RSV illness.
RSV is a very common respiratory virus, but it can be especially serious for young infants. In fact, RSV is the most common reason babies under 1 year of age are hospitalized. If you’re expecting a baby or have a newborn, understanding RSV prevention before the season begins can help you feel prepared.
Protecting Your Baby from RSV
There are two ways to provide infants with protection against severe RSV disease.
The first is by having their mother get an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. When a pregnant mother or woman receives the maternal RSV vaccine at the recommended time, protective antibodies can cross the placenta and provide the baby with protection after birth. The maternal RSV vaccine can be given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy when the baby is expected to be born during RSV season. It takes approximately 14 days for protective antibodies from the protective antibodies to pass to the baby through the placenta.
The second option is an RSV immunization given directly to the baby after birth. These antibodies begin working right away and provide protection throughout the RSV season.
When Is RSV Immunization Recommended?
For most infants, RSV immunization is recommended during their first RSV season if they are younger than 8 months and did not receive adequate protection through a maternal dose.
In most parts of the United States, the timing for the protection to begin is from October through March, although this can vary depending on where you live.
Babies who are born outside of RSV season may receive their immunization shortly before the season begins or as early as possible during the season.
Some babies who are hospitalized after birth because they were born prematurely or have other medical needs may be eligible to receive RSV immunization shortly before leaving the hospital or soon after returning home.
There are some situations in which your pediatrician may recommend RSV immunization even if the mother received the vaccine during pregnancy. This can include certain health conditions or treatments that may reduce the amount of protective antibodies passed to the baby, or medical conditions that put the baby at increased risk for severe RSV disease.
Can RSV Immunization Be Given With Other Vaccines?
Yes. RSV immunization can be given during the same visit as other age-appropriate childhood vaccines. Research shows that protection against RSV develops well when this is given alongside other routine childhood immunizations, and it is not expected to interfere with how those vaccines work.
What If My Baby Already Had RSV?
Having RSV once does not necessarily mean your baby won’t get it again. Children can become infected with RSV more than once, even during the same RSV season. For this reason, babies should receive RSV immunization as recommended, even if they have already had an RSV infection earlier in the season.
Other Ways to Help Protect Your Newborn
RSV prevention isn’t only about passive immunity. Everyday habits can also help reduce your baby’s exposure to respiratory viruses.
Especially during RSV season:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Ask family members and visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Keep your baby away from crowded environments when appropriate.
- Don’t allow people to kiss your baby’s face or hands if they are sick or may have been exposed to illness.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
- Keep older siblings home when they are sick when possible.
You don’t have to keep your newborn completely isolated, but taking reasonable precautions can help reduce their exposure during the months when respiratory viruses are circulating.
Know the Signs of RSV
RSV can initially look like a common cold. Babies may have symptoms such as a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing or fever. In some infants, particularly very young babies, RSV can become more serious and lead to difficulty breathing or bronchiolitis.
Contact your pediatrician if your baby is sick and you are concerned about their symptoms.
Seek emergency medical care if your baby is having significant difficulty breathing, has pauses in breathing, is turning blue or gray around the lips or face, or is showing other signs of a medical emergency.
When it comes to a newborn, it’s always okay to give us a call when you’re unsure. If you’re concerned, we’re concerned!
Be Prepared for RSV Season
RSV can sound scary when you’re a new parent, but you don’t have to navigate RSV season alone. Talk with us about the best way to protect your baby. Whether protection comes through vaccination during pregnancy, RSV immunization after birth, or a combination of precautions based on your baby’s individual needs, having a plan can give your family greater peace of mind. RSV season doesn’t have to be a season of worry. With the right information and protection, you can focus on what matters most: keeping your little one healthy, growing and thriving.
For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
Information in this blog can be attributed to HealthyChildren.org https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/RSV-protection-for-babies-questions-new-and-expectant-parents-should-ask.aspx