For My Family, RSV Protection Was Never a Question
By Jessica Pansini, Head of U.S. Social Media
At the end of 2021, I had a 2-year-old son, Carson, and a 5-month-old daughter, Anna, and the world was just starting to come out of a long COVID lockdown. Having schools reopen was great news for our family, until I realized the volume of easily spread illnesses that would be circulating that season, including the dreaded ‘trifecta’ of COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Upon her return to daycare, Anna contracted all three, leading us to a visit from the paramedics and a trip to the emergency room. While serious RSV lung infections are uncommon, they’re the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under 1. Thankfully she recovered, but going forward I swore to take every preventative measure to help ensure something like this didn’t happen to my family again.
During that time, I was co-leading one of Sanofi’s Affinity Groups, Parents Connect: a U.S.-wide community that provides support for employees during all stages of parenting. We were approached by the team working on a new monoclonal antibody for RSV to share feedback on the product as parents, and I was immediately intrigued given my daughter’s history. I began educating myself about this innovative potential prevention option for a virus that has impacted so many families. Parents Connect partnered with the team, conducting roundtable discussions about experiences with RSV and thoughts on helping to protect babies against serious RSV-related lung infections with the now-approved preventative antibody called Beyfortus® (nirsevimab-alip) 50mg and 100mg Injection.
Beyfortus is a prescription medicine used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:
- Newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season.
- Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
Beyfortus should not be given to children with a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus. Beyfortus may not protect all children. See below for additional Important Safety Information.
Jessica’s children, Anna and Reid
Fast forward to 2024 – our family was blessed with another baby boy, Reid. It was a given that my husband and I would get him immunized against RSV. In late October, approaching his first winter virus season, he was administered Beyfortus at 6 months old by our pediatrician at a regular checkup and showed no side effects. Our pediatrician’s office highly recommended Beyfortus due to its reported efficacy and demonstrated safety.
Jessica with all three of her children
Serious RSV lung infection was once a scary part of our family history, but we took steps to help make sure it won’t be a part of our future. When it comes to the health of your baby, there is no questioning the importance of RSV protection. I encourage all parents of babies, or parents-to-be, to talk to their doctor about Beyfortus, and visit Beyfortus.com to learn more.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus.
Before your child receives Beyfortus, tell your healthcare provider about all of your child’s medical conditions, including if your child:
- has ever had a reaction to Beyfortus.
- has bleeding or bruising problems. If your child has a problem with bleeding or bruises easily, an injection could cause a problem.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your infant should not receive a medicine called palivizumab if they have already received Beyfortus in the same RSV season.
Serious allergic reactions have happened with Beyfortus. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- unresponsiveness
- bluish color of skin, lips, or under fingernails
- muscle weakness
- severe rash, hives, or itching
The most common side effects of Beyfortus include rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your child’s injection. These are not all the possible side effects of Beyfortus. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about side effects.
INDICATION
Beyfortus is a prescription medicine used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in:
- Newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season.
- Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for more details.