Beyfortus® can help protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Beyfortus®, an immunizing agent, protects your baby from getting RSV disease in their first RSV season. It may also be given to children less than 2 years of age who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease in their second RSV season.

Beyfortus® stops the virus from entering and infecting human cells and provides direct and timely protection against RSV disease to last for at least 5 months, corresponding to a typical RSV season.

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How is RSV spread?

RSV spreads when droplets from a cough, sneeze, or infected surface get inside the eyes, nose, or mouth.

How can I protect my infant?

Beyfortus®, an immunizing agent, protects your baby from getting RSV disease in their first RSV season. It may also be given to children less than 2 years of age who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease in their second RSV season.

Parent holding baby

Who should use an immunizing agent?

While the risk of a severe infection with RSV is higher in infants born premature and with underlying conditions, all infants entering their first season can be infected with RSV and hence could benefit from a passive immunizing agent for RSV. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States, and most children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

Do not immunize in:

  • children over 24 months of age
  • anyone with a known severe allergy to immunizing agents or any of its components. To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare provider before your child takes Beyfortus®. Talk about any health conditions or problems they may have, including if they have any allergies to this immunizing agent or its ingredients or components of the container

Possible side effects

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 children) may include:

  • Rash
  • Injection site reaction (i.e. redness, swelling, and pain where the injection is given)
  • Fever

Not known (cannot be estimated from available data):

  • Allergic reactions

These are not all the possible side effects your child may have after being administered Beyfortus®. If your child experiences any side effects not listed here, tell your child’s healthcare professional.

Baby holding parent’s finger

Will my child ever need another administration of the Beyfortus® immunizing agent?

Most infants in their first RSV season will typically require a single administration of Beyfortus®. They receive a single fixed dose as an intramuscular injection based on body weight.

However, in children who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease and are entering their second RSV season, another administration of Beyfortus® is recommended as a single dose given as two intramuscular injections.

For individuals undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, it is recommended that an additional dose is administered as soon as the individual is stable after surgery.

Beyfortus® may be publicly funded in your province or territory. Talk to your doctor to see if Beyfortus® is covered for your baby.

    Beyfortus® protects your baby from getting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in their first RSV season. It may also be given to children less than 2 years of age who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease in their second RSV season. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms (cold-like illness) but can cause severe illness, including bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) that may lead to hospitalization or even death. The virus is usually more common during the winter (known as the RSV season), but it may begin earlier or last longer in certain parts of the country. Your healthcare professional can tell you when the RSV season starts in your area.

    Beyfortus® contains the active ingredient nirsevimab, which is a long-acting antibody that blocks the protein that RSV needs to infect the body. Beyfortus® stops the virus from entering and infecting human cells and provides direct and timely protection against RSV disease to last for at least 5 months, corresponding to a typical RSV season. However, 100% protection cannot be guaranteed.

    These are not all the possible side effects your child may have when taking Beyfortus®. If your child experiences any side effects not listed here, tell your child’s healthcare professional. Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 children) can include rash, injection site reaction (i.e., redness, swelling, and pain where the injection is given) and fever. Unknown side effects (cannot be estimated from available data) include allergic reactions. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if Beyfortus® is right for your child. For more information, visit www.sanofi.ca. To report an adverse event, please call 1-866-234-2345.