When it comes to protecting your baby's growing lungs from RSV, timing is everything. RSV season usually starts in the fall and continues into spring, but the season may be different where you live. So your first step should be talking to your baby's healthcare provider to find out when RSV season starts and ends in your area.
If your baby has been prescribed Synagis, getting each and every shot during RSV season is essential. Remember that Synagis doesn't work like a vaccine. One Synagis shot helps protect your baby for about 28-30 days, so missing or delaying just one shot could put your baby at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Make sure you plan ahead for your baby's first Synagis shot and keep the rest of your baby's shots on schedule.
High-risk babies born before RSV season starts will still be at a greater risk for severe RSV disease when the season begins a few months later. Remember, your child may look quite healthy by then, but those growing lungs still need protection.
Every baby's therapy schedule is unique
Your baby's therapy schedule will depend on when the baby was born and when RSV season starts in your area. Remember that the first Synagis shot should be given before RSV season starts.
High-risk babies born after the start of RSV season may get their first shot in the NICU. They should continue to get one Synagis shot every 28-30 days for the rest of the season. Make sure you talk to your baby's doctor about how many shots your baby will need and when to get started.
Important Safety Information
What is Synagis® (palivizumab)?
Synagis is a prescription medication that is used to help prevent a serious lung
disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and children at high
risk for severe lung disease from RSV. Over one million children have been given
Synagis. It is given as a shot, usually in the thigh muscle, each month during the
RSV season. Children who develop an RSV infection while receiving Synagis should
continue the monthly dosing schedule throughout the season.
Who should not receive Synagis?
Synagis should not be used in children who have ever had a severe allergic reaction
to Synagis or its ingredients. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could
include: itchy rash; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the face;
bluish color of the skin; muscle weakness or floppiness; and/or unresponsiveness. If
your child has any of these signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after
getting Synagis, be sure to tell your child's healthcare provider or get medical help
right away.
What are the side effects with Synagis?
Possible, serious side effects include severe allergic reaction which may occur after
any dose of Synagis. Unusual bruising and/or groups of tiny red spots on the skin
have also been reported.
Common side effects of Synagis include fever, cold-like symptoms (upper respiratory
tract infection), including runny nose and ear infection, and rash. Other possible side
effects include skin reactions around the area where the shot was given (like
redness, swelling, warmth or discomfort). In children born with certain heart
problems, other possible side effects include bluish color of the skin and abnormal
heart rhythms.
These are not all the possible side effects of Synagis. Tell your child's healthcare
provider about any side effect that bothers your child or that does not go away.
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