Protecting your infant from RSV
You may have questions about how to keep your baby healthy when a seasonal illness like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreads. While RSV often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, infants can become sicker. RSV immunization can help protect your baby from severe illness.
We're here to help you understand RSV, know when to seek care, and easily schedule RSV immunization near you.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that typically spreads from late fall through early spring, peaking in winter. Nearly all children get RSV at least once before age 2.
Infants, especially premature babies and those under six months old, are at high risk for severe RSV illness such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Risk is also higher in infants with underlying health conditions, including:
- Chronic lung disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Severe cystic fibrosis
- Weakened immune systems
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Call your primary care doctor if your baby is not feeling well. RSV symptoms in infants can range from mild to severe and may worsen quickly.
Mild symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Cough (dry or wet)
- Eating or drinking less
- Fussiness or irritability
- Runny nose or sneezing
Seek immediate medical attention if your baby has severe symptoms, including:
- Dehydration (fewer wet diapers)
- Difficulty breathing (short, shallow, or rapid breathing)
- Extreme tiredness
- High fever
- Wheezing
Call 9-1-1 if your baby has trouble breathing or blue or gray lips, mouth, or fingernails.
How can RSV immunization protect my infant?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two immunization options: a maternal RSV vaccination or an infant RSV antibody. Most babies do not need both. Your primary care doctor can provide guidance on the best option and when to get immunization.
Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo)
Recommended at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy during RSV season. Maternal antibodies help protect a baby from RSV up to six months after birth.
Infant RSV antibodies (nirsevimab or clesrovimab)
Recommended for infants younger than 8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season. The antibody offers immediate protection and lasts up to five months after immunization.
Nirsevimab may also be recommended for certain high-risk children ages 8 to 19 months who are entering their second RSV season.
How to prevent RSV
You can't always prevent RSV in infants. However, RSV immunization can help decrease your baby's risk of severe RSV illness.
Other helpful ways you can lower risk include:
- Avoid crowded areas
- Clean surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, and play areas
- Keep your baby away from children and adults who are sick
- Make sure anyone who touches your baby washes their hands first with soap and water
How to schedule RSV immunization
Where you can schedule an RSV immunization will depend on whether you have commercial insurance or Medicaid.
Primary care practices
Both commercial insurance and Medicaid patients can schedule an appointment at a primary care practice.
Urgent care centers
Schedule an appointment online at an urgent care center near you.
Your baby's health is our top priority. You do not have to wait in a shared area with sick patients. Depending on the urgent care center, options may include curbside immunization or going directly to a private exam room. When you arrive, our care team will help with check-in and make sure your baby gets the care they need.
Corewell Health Urgent Care – Cutlerville
80 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Corewell Health Urgent Care – 2750 E Beltline Ave NE
2750 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Corewell Health Urgent Care – Wyoming
6105 Wilson Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49418
Primary care practices
Both commercial insurance and Medicaid patients can schedule an appointment at a primary care practice.
Urgent care centers
Schedule an appointment online at an urgent care center near you.
Your baby's health is our top priority. You do not have to wait in a shared area with sick patients. Depending on the urgent care center, options may include curbside immunization or going directly to a private exam room. When you arrive, our care team will help with check-in and make sure your baby gets the care they need.
Corewell Health Urgent Care – Cutlerville
80 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Corewell Health Urgent Care – 2750 E Beltline Ave NE
2750 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Corewell Health Urgent Care – Wyoming
6105 Wilson Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49418
Connect with a primary care doctor
Our pediatricians, internal medicine-pediatricians, and family medicine doctors are here to help.