RSV or Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a common virus that is widespread during the fall and winter months. RSV is one of the most important causes of lower respiratory tract illness in infants and young children such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Essentially every infant or child has experienced RSV by three years of age.

While this is a common illness, some infants are at much higher risk to develop a severe and perhaps even life-threatening illness. Synagis is a special injection to help prevent severe RSV infections in certain high-risk infants.

Synagis is traditionally used in certain premature babies (the criteria factors in the degree of prematurity as well as the infant’s current age), babies with chronic lung disease, and those with more severe heart defects. Synagis shots are given on a monthly basis beginning in the fall and continuing until spring.

About our Clinic:
The Synagis clinic has been in operation since 1999. During this time, our staff has safely administered over 20,000 Synagis injections. The clinic is run by Pediatric R.N.s with injections given in both our Knoxville and Kingsport office.

Services include:
-Obtaining Insurance authorization -Obtaining or coordinating Synagis delivery to our office -Scheduling the initial visit -Administering vaccine -Scheduling appropriate follow up visits

Which patients should receive Synagis?

In general, Synagis is recommended for the following infants:

Infants younger than 24 months years of age with chronic lung disease (CLD) who have required medical therapy (supplemental oxygen, bronchodilator, diuretic or corticosteroid therapy) for CLD within six months before the start of RSV season.

Infants who are 12 months of age or younger with hemodynamically significant cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease. Hemodynamically significant is defined as infants receiving medication to control congestive heart failure or infants with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension.

Infants born at 28 weeks of gestation or earlier who are less than 12 months of age at the start of RSV season.

Infants born between 29 to 32 weeks gestation who are 6 months of age or less at the start of RSV season.

Infants born between 32 to 35 weeks gestation (between 32 weeks, 1 day and 35 weeks, 0 days) who are 6 months of age or less at the start of RSV season with two or more additional risk factors.

If you think your child is a candidate for Synagis, talk to your Primary Care Provider.

For more information, click on the links below
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;102/5/1211
http://www.synagis.com/how-synagis-works.aspx