Re: RSV vaccine
Asked by lindterbean
Question:
This was brought up by our doctor for discussion since our son has many of the risk factors. Does anyone have any experience with this? It is quite expensive and requires a 6 month committment, but if
it is important. . .
Any thoughts?
My Advice:
Respiratory Synctal Virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause a number of lung infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies, especially premature babies. It is the number one reason for hospitalization in babies younger than 1 year old. Being that my twins were 6 ½ weeks premature, this is something that we are concerned about right now.
RSV in healthy children and adults is a minor cold, but with preemies, it is a cause for concern. My children’s pediatrician has ordered my twins to be on a RSV for the next 6 months for protection.
Synagis is the vaccine for RSV. It is produced by a company called MedImmune. Unlike other vaccines, Synagis does not contain any RSV (live or dead).
Synagis info:
- contains no mercury
- contains no RSV (live or dead)
- it is an antibody shot that affords protection from RSV only for 28-35 days so it is important to keep coming back through out the RSV season (October to April in the U.S.)
- the shot is administered on the leg
- the amount of vaccine depends on the weight of the child, so on every visit your child will be weighed
- a 100mL vial of Synagis costs $1,549 USD (thankfully with our insurance, we only pay $40 USD)
- OK to have even if the baby is sick
- OK to have along with other vaccines
Possible Side Effects:
- swelling/redness around on the injection site (for the first shot, you will be asked to hang around the doctor’s office for about 30 minutes)
- ear infection (rare)
- cold symptoms (may appear 2 days after the shot)
Other ways to keep RSV from infecting your baby:
- ask visitors to wash their hands before they touch the baby
- avoid touching the baby’s eyes, nose and mouth
- ask big siblings to wash hands, especially if coming from a preschool/day care
- avoid going to places where you have no control over the crowd (malls, church, etc)
- regularly wash bedding
- regularly clean toys with wipes that kills RSV, read the label!!! (like Clorox wipes)
- Schedule your visits to the doctor for the RSV shot early in the morning when there is not a lot of people in the doctor’s office.
My girls have gotten the Synagis vaccine once already and are due for their second one tomorrow (28 days after the first one). They did not have any reaction at all the the shot, other than the cyring. They had none of the possible side effects that I have given. Unlike the other vaccines, Synagis did not make them lethargic at all.
NOTE: Synagis vaccine could be given to babies until they hit 2 years of age. Whether you want to continue with the 6-month shot for 2 years is up to you, and up to your baby’s health. It is best to discuss this with your baby’s pediatrician.
AVAILABILITY: "Synagis is now approved in Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay. It is also available under special permit in Chile. Currently, the product is available in all those countries listed above, but at varying degrees of commercial rollout in regards to reimbursement and pricing that must be handled differently in each country. " ---- This is quote from a press release by MedImmune (maker of Synagis) from 1999.
For more information:
Synagis website - http://synagis.com/
CDC - http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/rsvfeat.htm
MedImmune - http://www.medimmune.com/
Mayo Clinic - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/respiratory-syncytial-virus/DS00414
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(November 2007) (
