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"Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Most otherwise healthy people recover from RSV infection in 1 to 2 weeks. However, infection can be severe in some people, such as certain infants, young children, and other adults. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age in the United States." -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
As winter approaches, some parents of infants are approached by their doctors about the topic of RSV and whether or not to apply for a season of Synagis injections. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a series of vaccinations against RSV will not prevent or cure a child from catching RSV, but the duration and occurrence of RSV or related bronchial infections will be substantially decreased.
Several factors label an infant as "high risk" and more apt to be approved for insurance coverage of the vaccinations. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, these criteria include:
If the child was born premature at a gestational age of 32 weeks or earlier
If the child is in contact with people who smoke tobacco
If the child is enrolled or has siblings enrolled in a daycare program
If the child has heart or lung disease
Discuss any questions you have with your pediatrician, including financial responsibility. The Synagis injections can be quite costly, even with insurance coverage. The pediatrician's office will submit an application for pre-authorization to your insurance company, and they will be in contact with your in-network pharmacy (distributor) for shipments of the injections to be sent to your doctor's office or local approved immunization clinic. Periodic health updates and weight checks may also be necessary to determine dosage updates for the medication.
Since the injections are given once-a-month for about six months, also consider the number of times you and Baby will be IN the doctor's office just to administer the shots during cold/flu season. Discuss with your doctor the best times for you to be sure of a quick, uncrowded visit.
Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics - Children's Health Topics/Infectious Diseases
CDC - RSV homepage (statistics and information)
Mayo Clinic - information on RSV-related diseases and the vaccinations
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