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Infants & Families
Almost every child catches RSV by age two. For some babies, it means the hospital. Protection for your baby’s first RSV season is available — and most of it happens around birth.
’26AWARENESS MONTH · OCTOBERInfants & Families
Every baby is at risk. Some more than others.
- Babies under 6 months old
- Babies born premature
- Babies with chronic lung or heart disease
- Babies with a weakened immune system
Call your provider if your baby has
- Fast, hard or noisy breathing
- Fewer wet diapers than usual
- Trouble feeding or drinking
- Bluish lips or skin — call 911
Protection
How protection works.
01
Vaccine during pregnancy
Given at 32–36 weeks during RSV season. Protection passes to your baby before birth.
02
Antibody for your baby
For babies under 8 months in their first RSV season, ideally before leaving the hospital or in the first week of life.
03
A second season, if higher risk
Some children 8–19 months at higher risk get another dose before their second RSV season.
Your options
What’s available — and where to get it.
Every option CDC recommends, listed alphabetically. Talk with your provider about which is right for you.
Babies under 8 months, in their first RSV season
One dose of a preventive antibody — if the mother didn’t get the RSV vaccine in pregnancy.
Best given before leaving the birth hospital, or in the first week of life if born during RSV season.
- BeyfortusSanofi / AstraZenecanirsevimab — preventive antibody
- EnflonsiaMerckclesrovimab — preventive antibody
During pregnancy — weeks 32 to 36, in RSV season
One dose of the maternal RSV vaccine. Protection passes to your baby.
If you get it at least 14 days before birth, most babies won’t need the antibody.
- AbrysvoPfizerMaternal RSV vaccine
Children 8–19 months at higher risk, entering a second season
One dose of a preventive antibody.
Includes children born very premature or with chronic lung or heart disease, and others at higher risk.
- BeyfortusSanofi / AstraZenecanirsevimab — preventive antibody
Where to get it
At the birth hospital before you go home, or at your pediatrician’s office.
Most insurance plans cover recommended immunizations. Check with your pharmacy or plan about cost.
What to say
“Did my baby get RSV protection before we left the hospital?”
Source: CDC RSV immunization guidance, 2026–27 season. Brand names are listed for identification only; AHIS does not endorse any product. Guidance can change — check CDC for the latest.
Questions to ask your provider.
Recommendations: CDC, 2026–27 RSV season. This page is general information, not medical advice.
- Q1I got the RSV vaccine in pregnancy — does my baby still need the antibody?
- Q2When can my baby get RSV protection?
- Q3Is my child at higher risk going into a second season?
- Q4What should I watch for if my baby gets sick?
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