rsv shot

Pamela - posted on 05/01/2011

My daughter was born at 30 weeks, we got the shots until she was 19 months old. You need to get them every 30 days. There are no side efffects, and my daughter stayed healthy. They are very expensive is insurance doesn't pay in the US, $1500 to $2K per shot, I would def get it. Anything to keep your little one from going back into the hosipital. Also if a premie gets RSV it can be deadly more so than if a full term baby gets it.

Esha - posted on 04/17/2011

My daughter got RSV in Oct after being home for 2 months from the NICU. She was soon put on the shot and she never got sick. Her last shot was in March, I think they are starting again Nov 2011 during RSV season.

Pamela - posted on 04/13/2011

Get the shot! Usually the insurance will cover babies under 32 weeks for 12 months, since my daughters 12 months was in the middle of fly season we went to 19 and the insurance covred it, The shot is required every 30 day, no side effects. I would do what ever it takes to keep my baby from going back into the hospital.

Chris - posted on 04/12/2011

my daugher was denied the rsv shot and she now has it. Olivia is 7month. Do you know if she can get the shots know? She was 35 weeks when I had her

Sarah - posted on 02/16/2009

My son, a 33 weeker, has been getting the synagis shot since he got out of the hospital at a month old. We just moved from Michigan to Colorado and he was due for the shot at his first visit with the new doctor today. However, our new insurance has not agreed to cover it yet so we are in limbo since a single shot is over $1000. The doctor believes that it is really important so thankfully he is pushing the insurance company forward on this. Hopefully i will hear back from them this week and we will continue with what I think is a very important shot. Other than being cranky and irritable he has had no side effects, he is now 6 months old, but he usually gets vaccinations at the same time which could account for his mood. No synagis today yet the other shots really upset him, poor guy!

Julliette - posted on 02/16/2009

My son just got his first shot this Saturday!! I was wondering if I should get it since he had not gotten sick, but he did not have a reaction to it and he is doing fine.

Sara - posted on 02/15/2009

im kinda in the same boat you are and im kinda happy to hear that im not the only one. thank you for sharing your story. my son was born in october at 34 weeks and we holding our breath and doing what ever we can till flu season is over. no insurance and even if you have it (we do and its over $800/shot) i know its the best thing for him but you cant afford it at the same time its like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sara - posted on 02/15/2009

even with insurance it would cost me over $800 and i dont make that in a month. i guess ive been lucky, he hasnt been sick but for a little cold. he doesnt leave the house except for drs visits and i work for my dad out of his house and the drs said that that was ok. my son was borderline anyway on whether he needed it or not. he was almost 6 weeks early. i know that the shot is very important but what could i do. i watch who comes around, wash my hands, very sanitary around him the nurse that contacted me told me not to worry to much about it (not being able to afford it)and to just be very careful. and that i wasnt the only person in my situation

Brandie - posted on 02/15/2009

my son got them the first yr goin on the second every month except they stopped them for like 4 mths during the summer time then once winter came so did the shots he now has to get one in each leg. i think it goes off of how much their sick or at risk to be sick cuz the first yr. he was sick alot and this yrs a little better but i was told to be prepaired for alot of that stuff...he has never had a bad reaction so i figure it must work cuz hes never had rsv and i hear its real bad when they do get it

Heather - posted on 02/13/2009

I would highly suggest that any prems get the Synagis injection. If not the cost could be just a cold or a long ICU stay which most prems hav had enough of. My son got them for his first 2 years and he still ended up in the hospital for a couple of days.

Shannon - posted on 02/13/2009

I have a 26 weeker who's 2 and a 31weeker who is just 4 months. My 2 year old got the shots and did not get RSV. My 4 month old is getting her shots now. It's worth every penny.

Sarah - posted on 02/12/2009

The synagis shot is soooo worth it. We are still fighting the insurance company for coverage for my twin girls, but I have heard enough horror stories about RSV that I believe it is worth every penny. I have had friends with full term, healthy babies end up on respirators and have a tough time of it from RSV. I did a lot of research on the Synagis shot and I believe it is worth it.

Kristina - posted on 02/11/2009

my son was born at 31 weeks, he gets them and his only side effect has been a low grade fever, and he is very fussy on the day he gets it because it is such a thick shot and it hurts when it is going in. like a penicillin or a tetus shot.

Rochelle - posted on 02/10/2009

my daughter does,and she gets for the winter months until april. Any  babies born under 33 weeks has to get this shot. My daughters paediatrician advised me today that two boys are in the hospital die to the RSV virus, these two boys are not premature and do not recieve the shot either. This shot is very helpful. A pain in the ass to go every month but worth it for your baby.

Jennifer - posted on 02/10/2009

My twin boys (born at 29.5 weeks) get Synagis shots. They are a little more fussy after, but no other side effects. Dylan went to the hospital with a cough and fever, but they said that he sounded "croupy" and gave him a steroid and sent us home. At our last shot, the doctor said they have seen lots of RSV cases and seem satisfied/happy that our boys haven't gotten it. I'm very happy with the shots although they get them in both legs. Our doctors office actually spent about month dealing with our insurance company getting all of the paperwork straightened out in order for them to get the shots. It's kind of strange...this insurance company didn't pay a dime for their birth and 2 month stay in the NICU (we had different insurance), but they are paying about $5000/month for these shots for 5 months. I did my research on it, but when an insurance company is willing to pay out that much, I figure it's worth it.

Katie - posted on 02/09/2009

http://www.synagis.com/insurance.aspx

It looks like there are resources if your insurance doesn't cover it that may help. We lost our insurance back in October and were only able to get two shots beforehand. I applied for Medicaid in August but they still haven't approved me (they say they've received everything and are just waiting on processing at this point). Now that it's February, though, I think we are going to ride it out. My son is 6 months old now and stays home with me. It's been scary but so far we've been okay. I've been drinking Kefir every morning, eating yogurt, and taking probiotics to beef up my immune system and his through breast milk, too.

Nicole - posted on 02/09/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

Crissy Wakefield says without insurance its $850. I have a Blue Shield PPO with a high deductible, and would've had to pay out of pocket for the shots. FOR ONE SHOT ALONE THEY WERE CHARGING $4,600!!! And the office visit to administer the shot, another $300! The clinic charged my insurance $6,500 for the shot alone, but the insurance only "allowed" the $4,600. So, WHERE did you get charged only $850?? We had to stop giving our son the shots due to this cost. (He was only a 34 week preemie, no complications, stays at home and we keep him isolated until the RSV season ends in April).

The shot is based on weight so the more they weight the more the shot is.  I know when my son weighted 3 pounds it was 400 bucks and I think the last shot he got he was about 13 pounds and it was 1500 bucks.

Karen - posted on 02/09/2009

Oh, wanted to post that we have lessened our side effects GREATLY by putting in a humidifier and a Vicks plug in the night he receives his injection. Then we do the humidifier again the next night and all side effects are gone. :)

Karen - posted on 02/09/2009

We get the shot every month...tomorrow actually. I have a 31 weeker that is also affected by end stage kidney failure and one hemodialysis twice a week. He does get a "cold" from his shot, but he has decreased immunity due to kidney disease. Just the sniffles, congestion and a little more mucousy in his throat...sometimes causing him to throw up the first bottle of the day. But I still think it is worth it to keep us out of the hospital. We are up there enough as is!

Lisa - posted on 02/08/2009

My twins got it for 2 years...They nver got sick or rsv =) keep them away from malls...alot of crowds...in the months of sept-dec....

Jennifer - posted on 02/05/2009

Crissy Wakefield says without insurance its $850. I have a Blue Shield PPO with a high deductible, and would've had to pay out of pocket for the shots. FOR ONE SHOT ALONE THEY WERE CHARGING $4,600!!! And the office visit to administer the shot, another $300! The clinic charged my insurance $6,500 for the shot alone, but the insurance only "allowed" the $4,600. So, WHERE did you get charged only $850?? We had to stop giving our son the shots due to this cost. (He was only a 34 week preemie, no complications, stays at home and we keep him isolated until the RSV season ends in April).

Joy - posted on 02/05/2009

My daughter who gets the shot just got out of the hospital from having RSV. Thank goodness the shot lessens the severity of RSV. She is doing much better. Having a premie in the winter is terrible. I can't seem to stop the colds, coughs and germs.

Mary - posted on 02/05/2009

My son was born at 24 weeks and got the RSVshot. So glad we did because despite following all the safety measures religiously, he got a cold just at about 8 weeks corrected and tested RSV positve (the shot does not prevent RSV but lessen the severity, I was told), but he recovered very well, and was hospitalized only for observation and no need to have oxygen support etc.. My doctor said that it can get much worse for preemies.

Erin - posted on 02/05/2009

My daughter gets it for 3 more months...actually she is going next week for it. She was born at 29 weeks and Dr said all preemies get it for the first yr. The best thing is the company that puts out the shot sent us a red stop sign shaped thing to put on her car seat that says " Stop!!! please wash your hands before touching mine" its great because now strangers dont try to touch her!!!

Jennifer - posted on 02/05/2009

Connor was born in April at 31 weeks and got the shot over his first winter.  He was fine all winter.  Chloe was born in December, at 36 weeks.  I asked about getting her the shot, especially since her brother was in day care.  I was told she didn't qualify.  At 4 weeks old we were rushing her to the ER because she was blue and gray.  She had RSV.

My advice, get the shots.

Tracy - posted on 02/05/2009

My daughter got them last year,  it was the best thing ever.  She didn't qualify this year, but I'm happy she was covered in the most critical time (her first year.)  Good luck, with everything.  x

Jennifer - posted on 02/05/2009

Connor was born in April at 31 weeks and got the shot over his first winter.  He was fine all winter.  Chloe was born in December, at 36 weeks.  I asked about getting her the shot, especially since her brother was in day care.  I was told she didn't qualify.  At 4 weeks old we were rushing her to the ER because she was blue and gray.  She had RSV.

My advice, get the shots.

Keri - posted on 02/05/2009

JEnnifer:  We had the same issue with my daughter's dad's insurance company at first.  Having been a military dependant before meeting him, I knew that we had to fight fight fight.  Since they wouldn't cover it, then Medicaid wouldn't either.  After fighting hard for about 3 weeks, we finally got it covered.  Since our daughter had been in the hospital 3 times already we explained that if she didn't get the shots, that there would be a chance that she could get RSV and it would cost more on their end for her to be in the hospital versus just covering the shot.  Good luck to you.  Just keep fighting for it!!

Keri - posted on 02/05/2009

My daughter just received her 3rd shot in the series.

Lacey - posted on 02/03/2009

I should add that my little guy is covered by medicaid.

Lacey - posted on 02/03/2009

My little guy is getting it. I'd much rather take him in for a monthly shot then have him get RSV. It is very common.

Alaina - posted on 02/03/2009

If your insurance covers the shot, I would definitely get it!  The pros definitely outweigh the cons!

Michelle - posted on 02/03/2009

hi my twins Bobby and Claudia were born at just over 26 wks and they had the RSV shots they both came down with the flue befor they reached 6 months but thanks to the shots it was not soo bad. Their Dr said it would have been a lot worse without the shots, so as a mom i think the shots should be available to all babies.

Jennifer - posted on 02/03/2009

Sumi,

Yeah, the pediatrician is the one who requested the shot .  Insurance is not what it used to be.  Expensive, and very tricky.   Very discouraging and so, I stay at home to prevent him from being exposed.  I do not want him to end up in the hospital.  I don't think I could handle that after the NICU.  Thanks for your suggestion.

Sumi - posted on 02/02/2009

My twins are getting the shots. Between them being born at 32 weeks and my having asthma, we decided it was a good thing to do.

Jennifer, have you checked to see if your insurance will cover it if the pediatrician gives the shot. Mine was only going to cover a very small fraction if I had a visiting nurse come to give it but by having the pediatrician's office order the Synagis and give the shot, we only have to pay the office visit copay.

Jennifer - posted on 02/02/2009

How did you get the state to cover it?  My insurance will not cover it and we can not afford to get the shot?? Please help

Shalise - posted on 01/28/2009

Both of my daughters who were premature had the synagis shot. Synagis is a much needed medication for premature babies, My kids have done so well. My daughters were 11 weeks early and 8 weeks early. Both had the shots.

Becky - posted on 01/28/2009

PS: My little guy had no side effects from his RSV or flu shots, except a little fussiness. . so I held him more that day. :-)

Becky - posted on 01/28/2009

My son was born at 32 weeks so the pediatrician strongly recommended it.
I have friends whose children had RSV, and it was terrible. Some kids were hospitalized, and I really didn't want to risk it with my little guy.
The pediatrician also gave him the flu shot. I am NOT a big "flu shot" person--I've never had one, don't plan to get one. But let me tell you!--In the month of January, my 2-year-old daugher & I have had the stomach flu twice and the respiratory flu once. My preemie son only threw up once, and had the sniffles for a few days, but otherwise has been healthier than the rest of us!!!! . . . There is no way for me to PROVE that is due to the shots, and I'm not going to say it is, but I'm inclined to think that they helped him stay healthy! :-)

Joy - posted on 01/27/2009

The side effects of the shot are very close to the symptoms of RSV. Wheezing, congestion, coughing. So far with the past 2 shots my daughter has recieved. We have had these symptoms. She has not gotten RSV, thank goodness, but the side effects of the shot are still there, although mild we have had 2 stays in the hospital.

Amy - posted on 01/26/2009

My son is getting the shots now- he has had no side effects yet!!

Nicole - posted on 01/26/2009

My "preemies" are now 10. Twins. 14 weeks early and they got that shot. I will never know if it was just grace or the shot, but they were NEVER "sick." I followed doctors orders. I didn't take them out in public until May of the year they were born if it was not absolutely necessary.

User - posted on 01/26/2009

My son is 5 1/2 now but he was born 5 1/2 weeks early so he got the synagis shots - 7 of them in total during RSV season. Darned expensive - thank gosh for insurance!! (it was totally free for us). Preemies are at higher risk of getting RSV, which can be deadly - literally. So my pediatrician recommended it...and since he is a good friend of my mom I trust his recommendation!!

April - posted on 01/26/2009

My daughter had it every month during the season until she was three. Well worth it if insurance will pay most of it because it is very expensive. My daughter was born at 26 weeks and had asthma and I strongly believe that the shot kept us out of the hospital for RSV, but we were admitted for Croup a couple of times.

Dawn - posted on 01/26/2009

RSV is a serious virus.  Most of us have had it and thought "it's just a cold". To a healthy immune system that's true. But, preemies don't have fully developed immune systems, so that's where Synagis comes in! It helps prevent the extreme scenarios related to RSV (up to and including death) ... yes it can be that serious. Good hand washing is also a must and ask people not to visit if they "have a cold"---yes, even doting grandmas!  As for cost, if you don't have insurance, check with your pediatrician to see if there are programs in your area that would fund it  or help reduce the cost.

My twins are almost 7 years old. They did get Synagis the first year, but the second year our doctor felt they were strong enough to go without it and they did do fine.  Someone else mentioned the dose increasing as they got older--We had that too (x2)!  So our side effects were pain at the injection site(s), and sympathy pain/tears from the twin that went second!

For more information about RSV check out

Betsey - posted on 01/26/2009

My son received the shot ($1000/per shot) once a week for about three months, during the RSV season of course.  Thank goodness for home health nurses that worked around your schedule and state help that covered the cost.  It's well worth it in the long run.  My son was around other kids that had RSV and since he had the shot he did not contract it.

Nicole - posted on 01/25/2009

My son didn't have any side effect other then the injection site was bruised and sore for a few days.

Lenni - posted on 01/25/2009

Hi just wanted to know what side effects your little one had

Jennifer - posted on 01/25/2009

My son was born at 25 weeks. We were warned a lot about RSV while he was in the hospital. He got the synagis shot once a month for his first 2 winters. Fortunatly our insurance covered it. I really didn't want to risk him getting RSV. Luckily he hasn't gotten it and he didn't have any side effects from the med.

Joy - posted on 01/25/2009

My daughter recieves the synagis shot. We just got our second one on Friday. I have noticed the the side effects are affecting her, but I would rather deal with the mild side effects then be in the hospital facing RSV.