Beyfortus (nirsevimab) RSV immunoglobulinEast Bay Pediatrics is proud to offer the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody injection Beyfortus (nirsevimab) in our office. This injection provides antibody protection against RSV to babies under 8 months old and to high risk infants in their first and second winter seasons. The goal is to decrease infant hospitalization and death from this annual winter virus. The injection has been shown to be safe in clinical trials, with few side effects. Infants who receive it will need to be observed in the office for 15 minutes after the injection. https://www.beyfortus.com/#important-safety-information Despite advocacy from many physician groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, insurance companies have not yet committed to paying for the injection or the administrative fee. If your insurance does not pay or if your insurance applies this preventive treatment to your deductible, you will be responsible for the remaining balance within 90 days of insurance rejection. High risk infants (significantly premature, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease) still qualify for Synagis which is a monthly vaccine against RSV. This vaccine requires prior authorization but does not require payment at the time of service. Some pregnant women had the opportunity to take an RSV vaccine while still pregnant. It is unclear whether Beyfortus is needed in babies born to these women, but it is not precluded. The adult RSV vaccine does not give babies any direct protection. As you know East Bay Pediatrics strongly supports vaccination of all children. We are very excited that infants may be afforded better protection against RSV, and we hope that insurance companies will follow suit with appropriate payment, making this injection more readily available to all babies. |
