New RSV preventative medicine available at McMaster Children’s Hospital and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital
HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is opening new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) clinics this fall for all eligible babies. The clinics will be held at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH).
Earlier in October, MCH began administering nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus®) to high risk babies. These were some of the first babies in Ontario to receive Beyfortus, which is a long acting monoclonal antibody that provides passive immunity against RSV, protecting babies from severe illness.
As of Monday November 4, Beyfortus will be available for all eligible babies at MCH and WLMH:
- Babies born during this year’s RSV season (October to March) can receive Beyfortus® soon after birth, before going home from the hospital.
- Babies born within this calendar year (2024) can receive Beyfortus® in one of the clinics located at MCH or WLMH.
- Infants older than one year who have certain high-risk medical conditions may also be eligible to receive Beyfortus® in the clinic located at MCH.
Families/caregivers of babies who are eligible can contact the McMaster Children’s Hospital clinic at 905-521-2345 and the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital clinic at 905-945-2253, ext. 11401 and leave a message to schedule an appointment. A member of clinic staff will return your call to book the appointment.
RSV is a common virus that can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants and young children. While most kids have mild symptoms, some can get very sick with conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These serious infections can make it hard to breathe and may result in the need for hospital admission.
“RSV is the most important cause of respiratory disease in newborns and infants and is directly responsible for how busy children’s hospitals and wards get in the winter. This is an unbelievable opportunity for all eligible children to get access to medicine that can very effectively prevent RSV,” says Dr. Jeffrey Pernica, infectious disease specialist at MCH.
For more information on RSV and the clinics, please visit https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/mcmaster-childrens-hospital/areas-of-care/medicine/rsv-clinic/.
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