News Release: 10/30/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caitlin Pallai – Media Relations Specialist
Essentia Health Marketing & Communications
Phone: 701.212.5206
Email: Caitlin.Pallai@EssentiaHealth.
Oct. 30, 2024
Essentia Health offering RSV immunizations for children and adults
This respiratory season, Essentia Health is excited to offer immunization options for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for both children and adults.
Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody immunization recommended for all babies younger than 8 months born to mothers who did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy. A dose should be administered to infants during their first RSV season (October through March).
Beyfortus is also recommended for children aged 8 through 19 months who are at an increased risk for severe RSV. This group includes:
- Children who were born prematurely and have chronic lung disease.
- Severely immunocompromised children or children with severe cystic fibrosis.
- American Indian and Alaska Native children.
“Almost all children will be exposed to RSV at least once before they turn 2 years old,” said Dr. Dhilhan Marasinghe, section chair of pediatrics for Essentia Health's West Market. “What makes RSV unique and particularly worrying is that it is the most common cause of hospitalizations for children under the age of 1 year — even more than influenza.”
Two to three out of every 100 infants under 6 months are hospitalized with RSV each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who are hospitalized may require oxygen, IV fluids and mechanical ventilation.
RSV symptoms
Infants and young children with RSV often show symptoms. In infants less than 6 months old, symptoms may include irritability, decreased activity, eating or drinking less and apnea (pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds).
In young children, early symptoms of RSV can include runny nose, eating or drinking less and a cough that may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing.
RSV usually causes a mild, cold-like illness; however, it can progress and lead to severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways in lungs) and pneumonia (lung infection). Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids or is experiencing worsening symptoms.
RSV vaccine for adults
RSV vaccines became available to protect older adults for the first time in 2023.
Essentia offers Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, Abrysvo. It is approved for pregnant mothers, anyone aged 75-plus years and those between 60-74 who have high risk conditions and have not received a previous dose.
Adults at the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
As with pregnant women, infants, and young children, only one lifetime dose of RSV immunization is generally recommended for older adults.
RSV immunizations are generally covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program provides free to low-cost vaccines for children who are American Indian, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured or underinsured.
About Essentia Health
Essentia Health’s mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. We relentlessly pursue that mission at our 14 hospitals, 78 clinics, 24 retail pharmacies, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, seven ambulance services and one research institute. Essentia has about 15,500 employees, including 2,350 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care. We’re privileged to serve patients in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Essentia Health
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Caitlin Pallai Media Relations Specialist
- October 30, 2024
- 701.212.5206
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