Hello NAP Families,
This is a special message for parents of infants who will be under 8 months of age by October 1st. We want to make sure you are all aware that there is an RSV preventive treatment, called Beyfortus, that has been approved by the FDA for all infants under the age of 8 months. This is not a vaccine but a one-time injectable monoclonal antibody similar to what has been used for many years for infants born very prematurely or with serious lung or heart conditions. We are very excited that this life-saving treatment is now available to all infants under 8 months, starting on October 1st. Please note: if an infant or pregnant mother received an RSV injection last season (through April 2025), that child is not eligible for treatment this year.
As some of you may know, RSV is a virus that typically causes a bad cold in older kids and adults, but in young infants can be much more serious and even life threatening. It is the number one cause of hospitalization for infants in the first year of life. This treatment is a monoclonal antibody injection, meaning that it gives the body the immediate ability to recognize and fight this virus if exposed. It has been shown to reduce serious illness and hospitalization due to RSV by 75%! Side effects are similar to any other injection – soreness at the injection site, possible slight rash or fever.
We plan to have this available starting October 1st to give during routine well visits, as well as during nurse visits for those not scheduled to be seen for a well visit early in the season or for those turning 8 months shortly after October 1st. If your child is not scheduled for a routine well visit in October or November before their 8 month birthday, please contact the office to schedule a nurse visit for your child’s injection at any of our locations.
If you have any questions about this treatment you can send a portal message to your primary care provider or ask about it at any office visit. We are all excited to have this protection available for our littlest friends!
If your child is eligible for the vaccine and you would like to make an appointment, please call the office and state that you would like to schedule a Beyfortus vaccine appointment. Your information will be taken and a Nurse will call you back to ask some additional screening questions and get your appointment scheduled.
Take care and stay well,
Northampton Area Pediatrics