Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Infectious Respiratory Illness
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for Health Professionals
Reporting
- Reporting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Reporting RSV to MDH. - LTC Facility Influenza and RSV Report Form 2023-2024
MDH collects reports of outbreaks of RSV and influenza among residents living in long term care facilities. Please follow this link for more information and to fill out our online reporting form.
Infection prevention and control
- American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book: RSV
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reference with information on clinical manifestations, epidemiology, infection prevention, and control measures. - Hennepin County infectious diseases in childcare settings and schools manual
Section 6 contains fact sheets for school and child care providers on diseases including RSV. Information on signs and symptoms, spread, exclusion, and prevention and control.
Immunization Options
To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, either maternal RSV vaccination or infant immunization with RSV monoclonal antibody is recommended. Most infants will not need both. A pregnant person can get an RSV vaccination at 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy between September through January.
Nirsevimab Prophylaxis
- Nirsevimab (also known as Beyfortus) is a long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody recommended for infants/toddlers to prevent lower respiratory tract disease from RSV.
- Providers should target administration:
- In the first week of life for infants born shortly before and during the season.
- Shortly before the start of the RSV season for infants aged less than 8 months.
- Shortly before the start of the RSV season for children aged 8 to 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease or are American Indian and Alaska Native (see Palivizumab guidance below for infants most at risk of severe disease).
- For more information visit Healthcare Providers: RSV Prevention Information.
Be aware that there may be ongoing supply constraints with this new product for the 2023-2024 season.
Vaccine resources for infants and pregnant people
Palivizumab Prophylaxis
With the 2023-2024 nirsevimab supply issues, providers may want to continue to use palivizumab for high-risk children.
- American Indian/Alaska Native children.
- Children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who require medical support during the six months before the start of their second RSV season.
- Children with severe immunocompromise.
- Children with severe cystic fibrosis.
If the child receives nirsevimab, they do not need palivizumab.
Palivizumab (also known as Synagis), is a monoclonal antibody that has been used to prevent severe disease in certain infants most at risk for hospitalization due to RSV for the last 25 years. Providers are encouraged to follow the updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance on the use of palivizumab prophylaxis in eligible infants.
- AAP 2014 Updated Guidance for Palivizumab Prophylaxis Among Infants and Young Children at Increased Risk of Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
- AAP Updated Guidance: Use of Palivizumab Prophylaxis to Prevent Hospitalization From Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection During the 2022-2023 RSV Season
CDC recommends that adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine using shared clinical decision-making (SCDM). Adults who could benefit from vaccination due to higher risk of severe disease caused by RSV are those with underlying medical conditions, frailty or advanced age, and residents in long-term care facilities. Refer to Shared Clinical Decision-Making: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years and Older (PDF) for additional guidance.
V-safe is a vaccine safety monitoring system that allows a person who is vaccinated to share with the CDC how they are feeling after vaccination. Providers are urged to promote V-safe to adults ages 60 years and older who are vaccinated with RSV and have a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Information sheets and posters can be found on CDC: V-safe Print Materials.
Vaccine resources for older adults