Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one version of the common cold.

For most healthy children and adults it will cause a slight cough, watery nasal congestion, and mild fever. But in babies that were born prematurely or have certain health conditions, RSV can be much more serious and have devastating health consequences.

• Some babies who get infected with RSV are sick for weeks.
• They may wheeze for months - or even years - and can go on to develop chronic lung disease.
• Because it clogs their airways, many babies cannot get enough oxygen and must be admitted to the hospital for respiratory support.
• Hospital admissions can last a week or longer.
• The sickest babies may even need to be placed on a breathing machine or heart lung bypass.
• Tragically, some babies infected with RSV die from its effects.

The good news is that we have a proven, effective therapy and there are FDA-approved, evidence-based guidelines that describe which babies should have access to this medication. 

Babies who were born prematurely or who have compromised respiratory or immune systems can receive monthly antibody injections. When given as prophylaxis during the RSV season It is an effective way to significantly decrease the risks of RSV infection for this vulnerable population.There is solid evidence that babies who were born prematurely or have compromised respiratory or immune systems benefit from these antibody injections.  

The National Perinatal Association supports access to this much-needed therapy.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published new RSV guidelines and recommendations that contradict the FDA-approved indications and have the effect of significantly limiting the  number of vulnerable babies who will be approved to receive the medication. 

We believe this new AAP guidance will leave many more infants vulnerable to serious complications from RSV infection.