What is RSV?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It is a very common, seasonal respiratory infection pathogen that is easily transmitted from person to person.1
Most infections are mild, but there are also more severe cases.1
RSV occurs seasonally (fall through spring) and is very contagious.1
RSV is spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and close physical contact such as cuddles and kissing.2
RSV can survive for many hours on smooth surfaces and toys. The virus can spread when an infant touches these surfaces and then develops, for example, on the face.2
Older siblings are a common source of RSV infection in infants.2,3
Why is RSV prevention important?
- RSV can affect any child!
- In most babies, the virus causes only mild, cold-like symptoms.3
- However, in some babies, it may get worse and cause lung infections or bronchiolitis.
These serious conditions can make it difficult for babies to breathe and require supplemental oxygen.3–6
- About 4 in 10 babies infected with RSV can develop lung infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.5
- RSV infections are the most common cause of hospitalization in babies under 12 months.7
- It is difficult to predict which babies will be severely affected by RSV. Therefore, every baby can be seriously ill and hospitalized.8,9
What is Beyfortus® ?
Beyfortus® contains the active substance Nirsevimab (an antibody to the RS-Virus) and is a passive immunization that can protect your child from a severe RSV-related disease. It significantly reduces the rate of RSV-related hospitalizations in infants younger than 12 months.7,10
Recommendation of the Robert Koch Institute
The Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute (STIKO) recommends the administration of Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) to all infants under 12 months.7
- Children born during RSV season (October to March) should receive Nirsevimab soon after birth – in the hospital or during their UU2-check-up (“UU2-Untersuchung” in German).7
- Children born before the RSV season should receive Nirsevimab before their 1st RSV season (September to November).7
What is Beyfortus®?
Beyfortus® contains the active substance Nirsevimab (an antibody to the RS-Virus) and is a passive immunization that can protect your child from a severe RSV-related disease. It significantly reduces the rate of RSV-related hospitalizations in infants younger than 12 months.7,10
Recommendation of the Robert Koch Institute
The Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute (STIKO) recommends the administration of Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) to all infants under 12 months.7
- Children born during RSV season (October to March) should receive Nirsevimab soon after birth – in the hospital or during their UU2-check-up (“UU2-Untersuchung” in German).7
- Children born before the RSV season should receive Nirsevimab before their 1st RSV season (September to November).7
How does Nirsevimab work?
Because babies’ immune systems are not yet mature, they are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.11
Immediately after administration, the antibody Nirsevimab supports the baby’s immune system and fights RS viruses in the event of a possible infection.12,13 This gives the baby passive protection.14
- Passive immunization is a method by which antibodies are supplied from the outside to provide immediate immunity against certain pathogens.
- These antibodies are broken down again within a certain time, so there is no lasting immunity.
- The antibodies do not come from animals or humans, but are produced in the laboratory.
How does my child get Beyfortus®?
The active ingredient is given to your child by injection into a muscle, usually the outer part of the thigh.13
The dose is determined based on body weight.13
How often is the drug administered?
Nirsevimab is administered once to infants and has been shown to provide protection for 5 months, i.e. the entire RSV season in the winter months.13
How does my child get Beyfortus®?
The active ingredient is given to your child by injection into a muscle, usually the outer part of the thigh.13
The dose is determined based on body weight.13
How often is the drug administered?
Nirsevimab is administered once to infants and has been shown to provide protection for 5 months, i.e. the entire RSV season in the winter months.13
What are possible side effects?
Beyfortus® is already used in many countries worldwide and has been able to protect many infants in the last RSV season.
The active substance is generally well tolerated because the contained antibodies form passive immune protection and the immune system does not have to react as with an active vaccination.
The most common side effects are fever, rash and injection site reaction (pain, hardening, swelling).13
For more information, please contact your pediatrician.
If you experience serious side effects after immunization in your child, contact your pediatrician or the emergency medical service.
No drug interactions are known and Nirsevimab may be used concomitantly with other pediatric vaccines be given.14
Nevertheless, you should inform your pediatrician about all medications your child is taking.
Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds3
Sneeze and cough into your elbow or into a tissue and dispose of it immediately3
Disinfect items such as hard surfaces, toys, and other utensils when other family members show cold symptoms3
Avoid contact between your baby and people with cold symptoms3
1. Robert Koch Institute (RKI). RKI guide. RSV. https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Merkblaetter/Ratgeber_RSV.html (as of 08.08.2024. Accessed on 28.08.2024).
2. Jacoby P et al. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145(2): 266–271.
3. EFCNI. Everything you need to know about RSV. https://www.efcni.org/activities/campaigns/are-you-rsv-aware/de/#1655792628788-c2eda582-b24d (retrieved on 22.08.2024).
4. Yamin D et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2016; 113(46): 13239–13244.
5. Piedmont G & Perez MK. Pediatr Rev 2014; 35(12): 519–530.
6. Leader S and Kohlhase K. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2002; 21(7): 629–632.
7. Robert Koch Institute. Epidemiological bulletin 26/2024.
8. Bianchini S et al. Microorganisms 2020; 8(12): 2048.
9. Meissner HC. N Engl J Med 2016; 374(1): 62–72.
10. Drysdale SB et al. N Engl J Med. 2023; 389(26): 2425–2435.
11. Simon AK et al. Proc Biol Sci. 2015 Dec 22; 282 (1821): 20143085.
12. Domachowske et al. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 37(9):p 886–892, September 2018.
13. European Medicines Agency. Beyfortus. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/beyfortus. (As of 16.07.2024. Accessed on 28.08.2024).
14. German Society for Immunology e.V. Passive and active vaccination. https://das-immunsystem.de/wissenswertes/schutzimpfung/passive-und-aktive-impfung/. Accessed 28.08.2024
MAT-DE-2403755-1.0-09/2024
Copyright © 2024 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
Diese Seite richtet sich an Interessenten aus Deutschland.
Für unsere Webseiten wurden Bilder von iStockphoto.com, Fotolia.de, gettyimages.de, pexels.com und photocase.de verwendet.