Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infection. It mostly affects young children. RSV symptoms are usually mild. However, some young children can get very sick and need hospital treatment.
Some babies in NSW are eligible to receive an immunisation to help protect them against severe illness from RSV. This immunisation is called Beyfortus™(nirsevimab).
Respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV) causes respiratory infections. RSV mostly affects babies and children but adults can also get sick from RSV. Most infections in NSW happen in the cooler months of late autumn or winter.
Most people only get mild symptoms. Symptoms usually begin around 2 to 8 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms can include:
Babies under one year of age are more likely to get breathing problems from an RSV infection. This can include bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Babies may be unsettled or have trouble with feeding.
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is a medicine that can protect babies and young children against severe illness from RSV.
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is not a vaccine. It is a type of immunity that occurs when a person is given antibodies rather than making it through their own immune system. Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) contains pre-made RSV antibodies that protect the body from illness. These antibodies give protection almost immediately after the immunisation.
Medical studies have shown Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) to be around 80 percent effective in preventing children from being hospitalised with RSV during the RSV season.
The antibodies last for at least 5 months, but disappear after this time.
Some children are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV, including:
Infants aged 12 months and under are more likely to develop breathing problems due to RSV, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Children who get severely unwell may need to go to hospital.
Due to limited global availability of Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), in NSW, only babies who are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV are eligible for Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) under the NSW Health RSV vulnerable babies program.
The program commenced on 25 March 2024. It will run during the RSV season from March to September 2024.
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) will be offered to infants in 2024 who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Further information about the eligibility for Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is available on the NSW Health webpage.
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) can only be accessed from clinicians in treating hospitals.
Babies can receive Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) at the same time as routinely recommended childhood vaccines.
As per the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) clinical advice, for infants born during or entering their first RSV season, the recommended dose for Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is:
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is given as an injection in the muscle, usually in the outer part of the thigh.
Some children who weigh more than 5 kg may need two injections if a 100mg dose is not available.
No, the immunisation does not contain RSV and it cannot cause RSV illness.
In medical trials, Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) caused no side effects in most infants.
If any side effects did occur, they were most commonly tenderness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. These reactions usually go away within a few days.
You can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours) for non-urgent advice on managing side effects if needed. If you are concerned about your baby, you should seek medical advice.
Your baby’s immunisation with Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Your baby’s immunisation record can be accessed on the MyGov website and by logging into your Medicare account.
Talk to your child’s doctor about Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab).
More information can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet for Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), or ask the doctor for a copy of the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet.
The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network also has information about Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody.
