What is palivizumab (Synagis)?
Palivizumab is used to prevent serious illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk pēpi.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection
The antibodies in palivizumab can help protect high-risk pēpi from serious infection. They do this by providing short-lasting passive immunisation against RSV.
The level of antibodies gradually falls after each injection.
Your paediatrician may talk with you about your baby and palivizumab.
Is palivizumab a vaccine?
No, palivizumab is not a vaccine. It does not stimulate your baby's body to produce its own antibodies when they come into contact with that virus in the future.
How palivizumab is given
Palivizumab is given as an injection into the muscle in the thigh by a health professional.
Timing of palivizumab
Pēpi who have palivizumab need an injection each month, starting around April, before winter starts. Monthly injections continue through the 'RSV season' which usually lasts from about May to October in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It's fine for pēpi to have palivizumab at the same time as their regular scheduled vaccinations.
Possible side effects or complications from the injections
The most common reactions are:
- redness or swelling in the area where your baby had the injection
- fever
- runny poos
- being more unsettled
These symptoms are usually quite minor and will settle within 24 to 48 hours.
Extremely rarely, pēpi can develop an allergic response to palivizumab. Symptoms of this might include swelling of their face or body, breathing difficulties or rashes anywhere on their body. If this happens, please call 111 in New Zealand.
