RSV Antibody (Beyfortus) and RSV Vaccine (Abrysvo)

(updated 02/05/24) 

Hirsch Pediatrics now offering both RSV antibody (Beyfortus in limited supplies) for infants and RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) for pregnant adults!

RSV antibody is only for infants age 0 – 7 months during RSV season (October through March), and RSV vaccine is only for pregnant adults at 32 – 36 weeks during RSV season who are not expected to deliver within 2 weeks.

 What is RSV? RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants, causing 58,000 – 80,000 annual hospitalizations in children younger than 5 years old. It is especially severe for young infants. RSV season in the DC area is typically the 6 months from October through March.

 HIRSCH PEDIATRICS CURRENT BEYFORTUS AVAILABILITY FOR INFANTS
** Beyfortus for infants under 11 pounds (50 mg dosage) –  AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH 2024 at Hirsch Pediatrics for all newborns at your scheduled well-child appointments or contact us for a nurse visit to receive it sooner.
** Beyfortus for infants 11+ pounds and age 7 months and younger (100 mg dosage) – AVAILABLE AS OF 02/05/24 THROUGH MARCH 2024 at Hirsch Pediatrics for all eligible infants at your scheduled well-child appointments or contact us for a nurse visit to receive it sooner. 
** Please see Beyfortus FAQ’s below for additional information on availability and cost as well as the Hirsch Pediatrics Beyfortus infant patient consent form.

 HIRSCH PEDIATRICS RSV VACCINE (ABRYSVO) AVAILABILITY FOR PREGNANT ADULTS
 ** Abrysvo is available at Hirsch Pediatrics for pregnant moms that are either established families or new families that are pre-registered with Hirsch Pediatrics.
** ESTABLISHED FAMILIES please contact us by portal message to set up a vaccine only appointment.
** NEW FAMILIES please contact us to set up a new family account and pre-register with Hirsch Pediatrics.
** Please see Abrysvo FAQ’s below for additional information on availability and cost as well as the Hirsch Pediatrics Abrysvo pregnant parent consent form.

 RSV ANTIBODY (Beyfortus) FAQ’s

  • What is Beyfortus?
    Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is an antibody injection that can prevent serious lung disease caused by RSV. Studies have shown that in young infants the RSV preventive antibody treatment can lower serious RSV disease causing hospitalization for bronchiolitis and pneumonia by 75%. One dose of Beyfortus will protect infants for 6 months, the length of an average RSV season.
  • Who is eligible for the RSV antibody (Beyfortus)?
    Eligible infants can receive Beyfortus during RSV season if on the day of the injection they are 7 months of age or younger. (Note: Infants 8 months and older have a much lower risk of severe RSV disease and are not eligible for RSV antibody.) The CDC recommends that eligible infants receive Beyfortus as soon as possible after birth.
  • If mom received the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during pregnancy does the baby still need Beyfortus?
    No. Except in rare circumstances most infants do not need the RSV antibody (Beyfortus) if they were born 14 or more days after their mother got RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during pregnancy.
  • Are older high-risk infants and some toddlers eligible for Beyfortus?
    Yes certain older children who remain at risk of severe RSV disease may receive the RSV antibody. This includes children who are 8-19 months on the day of the injection during RSV season and have a high-risk criteria including:
    – chronic lung disease of prematurity who required medical support (chronic corticosteroid therapy, diuretic therapy, or supplemental oxygen) any time during the 6-month period before the start of the second RSV season.
    – severe immunocompromise
    – cystic fibrosis who have severe disease
    – American Indian and Alaska Native children
  • What is the dosage of Beyfortus?
    50mg (0.5mL) for infants weighing <5 kg/10 lbs (CPT code 90380)
    100 mg (1mL) for infants weighing ≥5 kg/11 lbs (CPT code 90381)
  • Who much does the RSV antibody (Beyfortus) cost?
    Though we believe that most health insurances will eventually cover the RSV antibody as an in-network service (with possible deductible or co-pay applied), it is common for many insurances to deny and delay coverage for several weeks or months after the approval of a new medication or treatment. We will submit the insurance claim (and appeal if denied). However, if your insurance continues to deny payment we will bill your credit card on file $495 which covers both the antibody cost (CPT 90380 or 90381) and administration cost (CPT 96380 or 96381).
  • Questions about why you should get the RSV antibody as well as typical side effects and risks? Click here for the RSV antibody Vaccine Information Statement.

RSV VACCINE (ABRYSVO) FAQ’S

  • What is Abrysvo?
    Abrysvo is an RSV vaccine given to pregnant adults at 32 – 36 weeks pregnancy at least 2 weeks before delivery and during RSV season (October through February). Vaccinated adults will make antibodies against RSV that are transmitted through the placenta to give the infant significant protection throughout RSV season. In the phase 3 clinical trial, the maternal RSV vaccine reduced the risk of severe RSV disease by 82% within 3 months and by 69% within 6 months after birth.
  • Who is eligible for Abrysvo?
    Adults who are 32 – 36 weeks pregnant and are not expected to deliver within 2 weeks and who are due at or near the beginning of RSV season (October – March).
  • Who much does the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) cost?
    Though we believe that most health insurances will eventually cover the Abrysvo vaccine as an in-network service (with possible deductible or co-pay applied), it is common for many insurances to deny and delay coverage for several weeks or months after the approval of a new medication or treatment. We will submit the insurance claim (and appeal if denied). However, if your insurance continues to deny payment we will bill your credit card on file $345 which covers both the antibody cost (CPT 90678) and administration cost (CPT 90471 or 90460).
  • Questions about why you should get the RSV vaccine as well as typical side effects and risks? Click here for the RSV vaccine Vaccine Information Statement.