Since summer 2024, there has been a new vaccination recommendation for the prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants. The RSV virus is responsible for many hospitalisations and severe illnesses, especially in infants and young children. In recent decades, there has already been a special vaccine, so-called RSV antibodies, which special-risk children (premature babies, children with heart disease) have received.
Now, the vaccination/administration of antibodies with the drug nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is to be made available to all infants. It should be given as early as possible in the RSV season (September/October/November) to all babies born between April and September of the same year. This year, this includes all children born after 1 April 2024. All those born from October 2024 onwards should receive this in hospital or soon after birth. The RSV season usually runs from October to March.
Since mid-September 2024, a statutory ordinance has clarified that the costs of the RSV vaccination will be covered by the statutory health insurance funds. If you would like the prophylaxis and your child was born after 11/03/24 (new cut-off date), we will issue you with a red health insurance prescription and you can make an appointment with us for the RSV prophylaxis vaccination. Please bring the vaccine with you to this appointment.
If your child was born before 11/03/24, you may be able to submit an application to your health insurance company for the costs to be covered. We also ask privately insured patients to discuss the cost coverage with their respective insurance company.
If you would like more information on RSV prophylaxis, please contact us.
Further information
FAQ on RSV prophylaxis on the RKI and STIKO websites:
https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/Impfen/RSV-Prophylaxe/FAQ_Liste_gesamt.html
