RSV is a common respiratory illness usually in the wintertime. Symptoms include runny nose, cough and fever and can progress to difficulty breathing severe enough to need a hospital stay. Serious infection is more likely for babies in their first RSV season. You can protect your baby by washing hands, breastfeeding and limiting childcare and smoke exposure. An antibody medicine called Beyfortus has been developed to significantly decrease babies' risk of serious RSV disease. It is a one-time injection given in the fall and winter seasons that gives five months of protection starting in just a few hours. Most babies from birth to 7 months and high-risk infants and toddlers 8-19 months may qualify to receive a dose. This medicine is not a vaccine but it can be administered at the same time as routine vaccines. This medicine is recommended by our providers, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. When a mother receives Abrysvo (RSV vaccine) during pregnancy, her baby may not qualify for Beyfortus. In this case, the mother's antibodies provide a similar benefit to the medicine. We are expecting Beyfortus to be available starting October 1, 2024 and that it will be covered by most health insurance plans. However, we cannot guarantee supplies or insurance payment. Please consider the following links for more information: RSV illness RSV vaccine for moms and antibody medication for infants