Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) has joined health care providers across Ontario in offering a new serum that can help prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections in infants.
Recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Beyfortus® (Nirsevimab) is an injectable serum—also known as a monoclonal antibody shot—that offers infants immediate protection by supplying the body with ready-made antibodies to create passive immunity. As a result, Beyfortus® is not considered to be a vaccine. Beyfortus® has been reported to provide 5 months of
protection, covering the duration of RSV season which occurs typically from November to April.
“With Beyfortus® infants receive passive immunity—meaning they are being given antibodies directly, instead of having them created through an immune response from a vaccine or exposure to illness, known as having active immunity,” said Dr. Erin Pepper, Department Chief, Maternal Child Care, NHH.
“Passive immunity against RSV is critical for infants who are still developing their immune systems and will benefit from immediate protection. RSV is a leading cause of hospital admissions for infants. We are optimistic that Beyfortus® will greatly help reduce emergency department visits for this vulnerable age group. At NHH, Beyfortus® is offered to all families after delivery and will be administered prior to discharge based on consent.”
On the recommendation of NACI, Beyfortus® can be offered to any infant entering or born during their first RSV season.
For the current 2024-2025 RSV season, Beyfortus® is publicly funded for infants and children who are residents of Ontario and meet any of the following criteria:
• Born in 2024 prior to the RSV season
• Born during the 2024-2025 RSV season
• Children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season with specific chronic medical conditions
Pregnant adults can choose to have the RSV vaccination ABRYSVO® in their third trimester, in which case Beyfortus® is not necessary for protection of their infant.
NACI recommends Beyfortus® be given to infants over ABRYSVO® in pregnant individuals.
At NHH, infants are eligible to receive Beyfortus® prior to discharge from the hospital. Expecting parents and new families can also speak with their primary care physician (PCP) to learn more about Beyfortus® or contact the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Unit (HKPRDU) at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1507.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
