Synagis Injections

Palivizumab (brand name Synagis) is a vaccine used to prevent the development of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in small children. RSV causes bronchiolitis, a condition that causes swelling of the bronchioles, increased mucous production, fever, and difficulty breathing. RSV is the number one cause of hospitalizations in babies less that one year of age. All children can develop RSV but premature infants, infants with chronic lung disease, and those with congenital heart defects are most at risk for serious complications from the infection. Children under one year of age are at greatest risk but very high risk infants may receive the vaccine until age two.

Synagis helps prevent infection in these children by giving them the antibodies against the virus. Synagis is a monoclonal antibody that is man-made so no blood product is involved in its production. The antibody works to prevent infection by attaching itself to a protein on the virus and prevents its entry in the healthy cells. Synagis can’t be used by a child allergic to any of the vaccine components or any child who is allergic to similar medicines.

This vaccine is given as a monthly injection from November through April-the peak of RSV season. Very ill infants may receive the injection for a few months longer or start one month earlier. The injection is given intramuscularly (IM) into the outer portion of the thigh. RNs and LPNs in the home care setting may give the injection to the infant in the home as long as they have been trained to give IM injections. Any nurses having any questions about giving Synagis should call the office to talk to one of the nursing directors. We are here to support you!