Dear BAP Families
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute respiratory tract infections in people of all ages and can cause severe illness in infants and children with certain health conditions.

Approximately 58,000-80,000 children under the age of 5 and up to 3% of children in their first year of life are hospitalized due to RSV infection each year in the US.  Most children will get an RSV infection before the age of 2 years, and approximately 20-30% of children infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.  Reinfection is common and is usually less severe than the primary infection.  

In the US, RSV typically circulates from the Fall, peaks in December or January and continues through the Spring.  It is transmitted by direct or close contact with those infected or from touching contaminated surfaces.
 
A new medication has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics to prevent serious RSV infection. This is a one-time injection called Beyfortus.  This injection is indicated for infants eight-months of age or younger by October 1, 2023.
 
As of today, the coverage of this medicine by the insurance companies is unclear.
 
The cost is estimated to be approximately $500.00 (exact cost has not been determined).
 
If you are interested in this service, please contact your insurance company. We will be communicating with the insurers, as well.
 
Given the expense of this injection, we will be ordering Beyfortus only upon your request.
 
If you would like your infant to receive this injection, please create a new message on the patient portal, select “Beyfortus – RSV Monoclonal Antibody” from the subject dropdown, answer the questions and send it.
 
Take care.