Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Information

What is RSV?

RSV is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms but can also affect the lungs.

RSV infection can be dangerous for infants, causing difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and dehydration. In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in infants. Children who get sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized, and some might even die.

There is now an RSV preventive antibody that can prevent serious lung disease caused by RSV. The generic name is Nirsevimab.

Who should receive the immunization?

1. Infants born during the RSV season (typically fall through spring) should:

  • a. Receive a single dose of the RSV Immunization within 1 week after birth, if the birthing parent did not receive the immunization at least 14 days prior to delivery

  • b. Receive it at their first well-baby visit if they did not receive it in the newborn hospital admission

2. Infants born outside of the RSV season who are younger than 8 months should:

  • a. Ideally receive a single dose of the RSV Immunization before their first RSV season

  • b. Infants < 8 months who did not get a dose, should get one at any time during the RSV season

3. Some infants and young children 8 through 19 months of age who are at increased risk for serious RSV disease should receive Nirsevimab shortly before the start of their second RSV season

*There are some situations in which Nirsevimab may be recommended for an infant after the mother received an RSV vaccine.

Is Nirsevimab a vaccine?

No, but it is an immunization. It is an antibody that gives a child immunity (immunity = protection) for around 5 months. This protection is called passive immunity. It is given one time per RSV season through an intramuscular injection, which is the same way vaccines are given. Studies show that Nirsevimab reduces the risk of serious disease by about 80% and provides protection for at least 5 months, which is the length of the RSV season.

Call or message with questions and we will do our best to answer! More information from the CDC here

Influenza Vaccine Updates

During late summer/early fall, please check this website, Instagram, or Facebook for important updates on this year’s flu shot availability and how to schedule your flu vaccines.

Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone over age six months starting in late summer or fall. If this is the first time your child is getting a flu vaccine and they are under nine years old, they should receive two vaccines separated by at least one month.

When available, we will have both the injected and nasal spray vaccines.

When you schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine, note that the appointment is only for a vaccine - you will not be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner. If your child has any signs or symptoms of illness, please call the office prior to coming in for a vaccine.

NWCP patient receiving their flumist vaccine

COVID Information  

Although our practice has seen minimal effect from coronavirus in terms of the number of patients diagnosed with COVID and severity of symptoms, we continue to follow public health advisories surrounding COVID.  We have separate waiting rooms for well children and patients who have symptoms consistent with respiratory illnesses and we sanitize frequently.

  • We have the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) now. Please call to schedule or you are welcome to receive the vaccine at any checkup.

  • We continue to see patients during our usual walk-in schedule (for our established patients only). You can be seen without an appointment from 8 am - 11 am AND 2 pm - 3 pm Monday - Friday, and at 10 am Saturday and Sunday. We have a separate waiting room for the walk-ins patients (Waiting Room 2). If you would like to see a specific provider please call to schedule an appointment. Stay out of the pediatric urgent care and emergency room and get your treatment here in your medical home!

  • The office will continue to remain open 7 days/week.

  • We continue to offer COVID testing and vaccination in our office. We have rapid antigen testing and PCR testing.