RSV Antibody

WHAT IS RSV AND THE RSV ANTIBODY?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. While it often leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults and older children, it can cause serious illness in infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. RSV spreads easily from person to person by having direct contact with a person or surface infected with RSV and is most active from late fall to early spring.

The province offers Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody (not a vaccine) that works by providing passive immunity to infants (ie. the antibody gets rid of harmful substances from the body). This is eligible to all babies in Ontario living through their first RSV season as well as vulnerable infants older up to 2 years old who have risk factors.


WHY IS RSV IMPORTANT?

  • RSV can either be a mild infection that resolves spontaneously after a few days, but it can also lead to severe breathing problems and hospitalization


HOW IS THE RSV ANTIBODY ADMINISTERED?

  • By a health care provider, as a single shot given into the leg / thigh muscle of the infant as soon as reasonable during the RSV season (typically November - March)


BENEFITS OF BEYFORTUS™

  • Beyfortus™ is safe for babies and young children

  • Beyfortus™ has also been shown to prevent RSV-related illnesses and to prevent severe RSV infections that require hospitalization.

    • Prevention of 82% - 90% of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) requiring hospitalization

    • Prevention of 75.9% - 90.1% of RSV-associated Intensive Care Unit admissions

    • 69% - 90% overall reduction in RSV-associated hospitalizations compared to the previous season

  • Receiving Beyfortus™ will not give an infant RSV, as it is an antibody and not the virus that is in the product


SIDE EFFECTS OF BEYFORTUS™

  • RSV prevention products, whether the monoclonal antibody or vaccine, may have some side effects. These are usually mild and last only a few days. Common side effects after Beyfortus™ include:

    • Local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, and pain

    • Other mild side effects observed are rash and fever


ARE THERE REASONS NOT TO GIVE IT?

Some parents might prefer to avoid painful procedures to the baby, concerns of safety of this product, or have concerns surrounding the use of vaccine like products. It is important to realize the following:

  • Painful procedures can be managed with comfort measures

  • The safety of Beyfortus has been established


ALTERNATIVES

  • Pregnant people may opt to vaccinate during pregnancy instead to provide passive immunity to the fetus that applies to the early newborn period. This option does not confer as much immunity compared to administering the antibody to the baby’s leg directly.


FOR MORE INFORMATION