10/05/2023
Fall vaccine update!
Beyfortus (RSV antibody)
Beyfortus is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody designed to protect infants from severe RSV disease. This type of antibody is laboratory-made, is delivered by injection, and then circulates and protects the baby for about 5 months. This is different from a vaccine where a part of a virus or bacteria is presented to the immune system which triggers the body to make its own antibodies that may circulate much longer, even a lifetime. This difference is called passive vs. active immunity.
What is RSV? RSV is a very contagious respiratory virus that typically begins as a minor cold but can progress to a lower respiratory tract infection causing labored breathing, hypoxia (low oxygen), and even apnea (pauses in breathing). It is the leading cause of hospitalization in babies under 1 year of age.
Who is eligible for Beyfortus? Both term and preterm newborns born during RSV season and all infants entering their first RSV season. Children up to 24 months who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease are eligible during their second season as well. This includes preterm babies, babies with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, and other complex medical conditions.
RSV season is typically November through March. One single dose of Beyfortus will be given in the fall which will last through that season.
Where can I get my child vaccinated? We are in the process of determining how soon we can carry Beyfortus in our practice. We are also in touch with local hospitals, pharmacies, and specialist offices in the area to determine the best approach for immunizing our newborns and older infants. Stay tuned - we hope to have news very soon.
Influenza (flu shot!)
Flu vaccines have arrived and are ready for use! It is recommended for all children, age 6 months and up. Children under 5 years and those with underlying medical problems (including asthma) are at higher risk for severe disease. Options for administration:
You can ask for a flu shot at any regularly scheduled office visit. It should not be given if your child has had a fever in the last 24 hours, but otherwise, it is safe to give during mild illnesses.
Starting 10/7, Flu shots will be available Saturday morning at the Southwest Medical Village office BY APPOINTMENT ONLY from 8 - 10 am. Call the office or send a portal message for an appointment. These are not available for online booking. Parents can also receive their vaccines at that time if desired.
In addition to the 2 options above, nurse visits can be scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays at our Bee Cave office - parents can also receive their vaccines at that time if desired. You can call for an appointment or send a message through the portal and we can help you to schedule.
COVID-19 Monovalent Booster
The latest COVID booster targeting the omicron subvariant is now available and recommended by the CDC for all ages. We do not carry COVID vaccines in our office, however, most local pharmacies will have it available in the next few weeks. Many local Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are already administering it for patients 12 years and older. The pediatric doses should be arriving in the next couple of weeks. Dripping Springs Pharmacy continues to be our preferred pharmacy for infants and young children. They do require a prescription so please contact our office and we will send that over for you electronically. It is recommended to keep the same brand as previous doses, so if you are calling for an order, please let our phone team know whether your child has previously received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Below is information on dosing, feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about your child.
1. If your child has had COVID infection in the past 3 months, it’s reasonable to wait at least 3 months before getting this updated vaccine. Natural disease likely offers protection for 3 months and the immune response to the vaccine may be better.
2. For unvaccinated children ages 6 months to under 5 years, the updated vaccine series is 2 doses of Moderna or 3 doses of Pfizer vaccine.
3. For unvaccinated children ages 5 years and up, the updated vaccine is 1 dose of Moderna or 1 dose of Pfizer vaccine. (The rationale is that older children are more likely to have had a previous infection. This primes the immune system to have a better response to a single dose of vaccine.)
4. Previously vaccinated children ages 6 months and up are encouraged to get 1 dose of the updated vaccine at least 2 months after the last time they were vaccinated.
