What is nirsevimab?
Nirsevimab is a medication that helps a child’s body fight serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
Nirsevimab is an antibody. It is not a blood product.
Nirsevimab works like the antibodies that your child’s body makes. This medication teaches the
immune system to fight the RSV virus. It does not eliminate the risk of infection, but it reduces the child’s risk of severe infection by about 75%.
Protection lasts for 5 months or more. Your child will receive a single dose of this medication before or during RSV season.
How is nirsevimab given?
Does my child need a repeat injection?
What are the side effects?
Nirsevimab has few side effects. Side effects are usually mild and do not last long. They can include:
- Mild fever
- Rash
- Redness and soreness at the injection site.
More serious side effects occur in less than 1% of children. These side effects include allergic reactions. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to get help.
Can my child still get their other immunizations?
If my child is sick, can they still get nirsevimab?
Usually, yes. A mild fever or cold is usually not a reason to wait.
If your child is very sick, your healthcare provider may recommend that the nirsevimab injection be delayed until your child is better, mainly for practical reasons. In some cases, your healthcare provider may feel that waiting may increase your child’s risk of RSV infection.
Can my child still get RSV even if they are receiving nirsevimab?
Yes. Your child can still get RSV, but they are much less likely to need hospital care.
Nirsevimab does not prevent other viral infections, like cold and flu viruses.
Should my child get nirsevimab during or after an RSV infection?
Since an RSV infection naturally boosts antibody levels, the antibody nirsevimab is unlikely to benefit children who have already had RSV this season.
