Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. Although the name sounds scary, it’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2 (Source). Respiratory syncytial virus can also infect adults and older children, but symptoms are generally mild and manageable from home with standard self-care measures.
However, RSV can cause severe infection in some populations, including babies 12 months and younger. Premature infants are particularly susceptible, as well as elderly adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system.
The good news is that there is a vaccine that can help protect your family this sick season. Old Harding Pediatrics recommends the following populations receive their RSV immunization this fall:
- Pregnant women who will be 32-36 weeks during the months of September through January are recommended to receive one dose. If this applies to you, ask your OB for more information.
- Children who will be under 8 months old between the months of October through March should receive one dose of the RSV vaccine.
OHPA will be getting a supply of the vaccine, known commercially as Nirsevimab. If it is recommended that your child be vaccinated against RSV, they can get their immunization at the same time as other recommended vaccines, or on its own.
While the vaccine doesn’t always prevent the infection entirely, it greatly lowers the chances of complications like hospitalization or death. Historically, 100-300 children die each year from RSV in the United States, and as many as 80,000 kids require care in a hospital (Source). (Hyperlink to Source)**
If you have questions regarding RSV or the vaccine, please call our offices at 615-352-2990.