Illustration: Protecting Infants from RSV with Palivizumab

RSV Prevention: Is Palivizumab Right for Your Baby? A Parent's Guide

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating the complexities of RSV prevention with expert consensus on palivizumab use in developed countries."

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that affects people of all ages. For infants and young children, however, RSV can be particularly dangerous, leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. Understanding RSV and how to protect your child is crucial for every parent.

Palivizumab is an antibody medication used to prevent severe RSV disease in high-risk infants and children. It's not a vaccine, but rather provides passive immunity, offering protection during the RSV season. The decision to use palivizumab involves carefully weighing the benefits and risks, as well as considering cost and availability.

This article breaks down the latest expert consensus on palivizumab use, offering clear, actionable information to help you make informed decisions about your child's health. We'll explore who is most at risk, what the experts recommend, and what other options you should consider.

Who is Most at Risk for Severe RSV?

Illustration: Protecting Infants from RSV with Palivizumab

While any infant can contract RSV, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing severe illness, requiring hospitalization. Identifying these risk factors is the first step in determining if palivizumab might be a suitable preventive measure for your child.

According to the expert consensus, the following groups of infants and children are considered at higher risk:

Premature Infants: Infants born before 29 weeks gestation are at the highest risk, particularly those under 9 months old at the start of the RSV season.
Infants Born Between 29-35 Weeks Gestation: While the risk is lower than for those born before 29 weeks, these infants, especially those with additional risk factors, may benefit from palivizumab.
Children with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): Children under 24 months with CLD or BPD are at increased risk of severe RSV.
Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Infants and children under 24 months with significant congenital heart disease may require palivizumab.
Children with Down Syndrome: Due to immune system differences and potential anatomical abnormalities, children with Down syndrome are more vulnerable to severe RSV.
Children with Anatomic Pulmonary Abnormalities or Neuromuscular Disorders: Conditions that impair airway clearance, such as cerebral palsy or certain genetic disorders, increase RSV risk.
Immunocompromised Children: Children with weakened immune systems due to conditions like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) or those undergoing chemotherapy are highly susceptible to severe RSV.

It's important to remember that these are general guidelines. Your pediatrician will assess your child's individual risk factors, medical history, and local RSV trends to determine the best course of action.

Making an Informed Decision

Deciding whether or not to use palivizumab for your child is a personal one that should be made in partnership with your pediatrician. By understanding the risks and benefits, considering your child's individual circumstances, and discussing your concerns with your doctor, you can make the best choice to protect your child during RSV season. Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider and stay informed about the latest recommendations to ensure your child's health and well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.prrv.2018.12.001, Alternate LINK

Title: Expert Consensus On Palivizumab Use For Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Developed Countries

Subject: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Journal: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Manuel Sánchez Luna, Paolo Manzoni, Bosco Paes, Eugenio Baraldi, Veerle Cossey, Amir Kugelman, Rupesh Chawla, Andrea Dotta, Rosa Rodríguez Fernández, Bernhard Resch, Xavier Carbonell-Estrany

Published: 2020-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is RSV and why is it a concern for infants?

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory virus that affects people of all ages. However, it poses a significant threat to infants and young children because it can lead to serious complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, often requiring hospitalization. RSV's impact on infants is heightened due to their underdeveloped respiratory systems, making them more vulnerable to severe illness.

What is Palivizumab and how does it work to prevent RSV?

Palivizumab is an antibody medication used to prevent severe RSV disease in high-risk infants and children. Unlike vaccines that stimulate the body's immune system to produce its own antibodies, Palivizumab provides passive immunity. It delivers ready-made antibodies to the infant, offering immediate protection against RSV during the RSV season. This approach is particularly beneficial for infants who are unable to mount an effective immune response on their own.

Which infants are considered at higher risk for severe RSV and might benefit from Palivizumab?

According to expert consensus, several groups are at higher risk. These include premature infants, especially those born before 29 weeks gestation; infants born between 29-35 weeks gestation; children under 24 months with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD); infants and children under 24 months with significant Congenital Heart Disease (CHD); children with Down syndrome; those with Anatomic Pulmonary Abnormalities or Neuromuscular Disorders; and Immunocompromised Children. These conditions either weaken the immune system or compromise the respiratory system, making these children more susceptible to severe RSV illness.

How is the decision to use Palivizumab for RSV prevention made, and what factors are considered?

The decision to use Palivizumab is a collaborative one between parents and their pediatrician. The process involves assessing the infant's individual risk factors, medical history, and the local RSV trends. Factors such as prematurity, existing chronic conditions like CLD or CHD, genetic conditions like Down syndrome, and immune deficiencies are all considered. Parents should discuss their concerns and ask questions to ensure they fully understand the potential benefits and risks of Palivizumab, making an informed choice tailored to their child's specific needs.

Besides Palivizumab, what other factors should parents be aware of regarding RSV prevention and their child's health?

Besides Palivizumab, parents should stay informed about general preventive measures such as good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick. They should also be aware of the local RSV season and its trends, and keep an open line of communication with their pediatrician to monitor their child's health. Early recognition of RSV symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, and prompt medical attention, are also crucial for managing the illness effectively, regardless of Palivizumab use.