Protect Your Baby From RSV

Date: 12/01/23

You and your doctor should talk about how to best protect your baby from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). One way to prevent your baby from having severe symptoms of RSV is to get the vaccine yourself. You can do this in your 3rd trimester, before or after the start of the RSV season. (The season typically lasts from early fall to spring.)

RSV may seem like just a cold for older children and adults. But it can be harmful to babies and toddlers. RSV is the leading reason babies get admitted to the hospital. Symptoms may cause a baby or toddler to need help breathing.

Fortunately, a vaccine for RSV has been developed. It's approved by the FDA and recommended by medical experts. When given during pregnancy, the vaccine's antibodies will pass on to the baby. This prevents severe symptoms of RSV in babies after they're born. This means they will be protected at birth. And they won't need as many vaccinations after they're born.

It's recommended that pregnant women get the RSV vaccine in this timeframe:

• During their 3rd trimester, between weeks 32 and 36
• Between the months of September and January

Talk to your doctor about the best timing. You and your doctor may also talk about immunizing your baby for RSV after birth. Babies can get an RSV shot to protect them before or during RSV season. They can get the shot from birth until they are 8 months old. Your child's doctor may also talk about getting them ready for the next RSV season. This will depend on your child's risk factors for having severe symptoms.

Looking for more tips to keep your little ones healthy? Check out our Start Smart for Your Baby app. Download the app at no cost to you!