BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – This sick season, there is expanded access to a new immunization that can help protect babies from getting sick.
Nirsevimab, which is antibodies that fight against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) given via injection, hit hospitals last year, but there wasn’t enough to meet demand.
This year, doctors at UVM Medical Center say there’s enough to go around. It’s for babies eight months old and younger, including newborns. Babies can get the shot before they even go home from the hospital after birth.
Vermont has some of the highest immunization rates in the country and doctors say they’ve already seen results, with fewer babies admitted to the hospital with RSV.
“This is a very, very different season than what we’ve seen than what we’ve seen in the past, we’re usually very, very, very busy with lots of babies in our ICU sick with RSV. And we’re really not seeing that,” Dr. Rebecca Bell, a pediatric critical care physician at UVM Children’s Hospital, said.
Some children who are immunocompromised may also be eligible to get the new immunization. Talke to your child’s doctor to learn more. If you are pregnant, you are encouraged to talk to your doctor about getting an RSV shot.
