RSV Injection

It’s September and we soon expect to see our annual spike in RSV infections.  As many of you are aware, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory infection that can be very serious, especially for our youngest patients.  Luckily two preventative measures have been introduced that will decrease the severity and frequency of infection caused by RSV.  These two treatment options include immunizing pregnant mothers with an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) between 32 and 36 weeks gestation OR providing high risk babies an injection of antibodies (Beyfortus) designed to protect against the RSV virus.  Beyfortus is recommended for babies who are under 8 months at the beginning of RSV season (October).

We encourage our pregnant parents to discuss the Abrysvo vaccine with their obstetricians.  Pregnant women, who receive Abrysvo between 32-36 weeks and deliver at least 14 days later, will provide significant antibodies against RSV to their babies. 

At Roswell Pediatric Center, we plan to offer the Beyfortus RSV antibody injection.  Last year, Beyfortus reduced RSV-associated hospitalizations by up to 93%!   Beyfortus is given between October 1 and March 31 (RSV season) but preferably in October and November before RSV peaks in our community (usually December and January).  Last winter, most insurance plans covered Beyfortus (at least partially).  We encourage families to contact their insurance carriers BEFORE your next check-up in October or November to determine if your insurance covers the injection.  Your insurance can check your coverage with the following codes:

• infants under 11 lbs – Beyfortus (CPT 90380)  plus injection (CPT 96372) 
• infants over 11 lbs and under 8 months – Beyfortus (CPT 90381) plus injection (CPT96372) 

We plan to offer Beyfortus at the following checkups starting October 1: newborn hospital followup and 2 week, 2 month, 4 month and 6 month checkups.  If your child already had their 6 month checkup and is under 8 months of age, we will have procedure visits available during October and November for Beyfortus administration.  

 Additionally, there are a few high-risk patients who should receive Beyfortus between 8-19 months of age.  Ask your provider if you think your 8-19 month old child qualifies as high risk.