LEARN ABOUT SYNAGIS AND RSV
What is Synagis?
Synagis is not a vaccine, and it works in a different manner. Synagis gives your baby a dose of virus-fighting substances called antibodies to help prevent serious RSV disease. Each dose only works for about 28-30 days, so you don′t want to skip or postpone any shots. Synagis is not approved in adults and is for children under the age of 24 months.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
The virus causes infection of the lungs and breathing pathways. It is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. RSV can become a serious complication when the symptoms are bad or when it leads to other problems, like pneumonia.
Those who are more likely to have problems with RSV are:
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Babies born early (prematurely)
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Individuals with immune system problems
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Individuals with heart or lung problems
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Adults older than 65
Who SHOULD Receive Synagis?
The FDA has approved Synagis injections for infants with specific high risk factors. More information can be found through the link below:
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published additional recommendations for Synagis use in high risk infants which differ from the FDA product label. Insurance companies generally follow the AAP recommendations. Additional information is available through the link below:
How is Synagis Administered?
Synagis is a shot, usually in the thigh muscle, given each month during the RSV season. A child should receive their first Synagis shot before the RSV season starts, to help protect them before RSV becomes active. When RSV becomes active, a child will need to receive Synagis shots every 28-30 days to help protect them from the disease. A child should continue to receive monthly shots of Synagis until the end of RSV season (or for the length of time suggested by the physician). A child may still get severe RSV disease after receiving Synagis. If your child has an RSV infection, they should continue to get their monthly shots throughout the RSV season to help prevent severe disease from new RSV infections.
Who Should NOT Receive Synagis?
Children should not receive Synagis if they have ever had a severe allergic reaction to it. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could include itchy rash; swelling of the face; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; bluish color of the skin; muscle weakness or floppiness; a drop in blood pressure; 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.
