Maternal RSV vaccination and infant monoclonal antibody are alternatives, not a pair. A baby whose mother was vaccinated at least 14 days before delivery generally does not need an infant dose in the first season.
The exceptions matter: delivery within 14 days of maternal vaccination, a mother with a condition that limits antibody response or transfer, or an infant who has had cardiopulmonary bypass or large blood losses. In these cases infant immunisation may still be advised.
Record maternal RSV vaccination and its date in the newborn record so the information is not lost by the first clinic visit.
- Ask whether and when the mother received an RSV vaccine
- Check the interval between vaccination and delivery was at least 14 days
- Consider infant immunisation where the interval was shorter or antibody transfer may be impaired
- Record maternal RSV vaccination in the newborn's record
Why it matters
Knowing maternal vaccination status avoids both missed protection and unnecessary infant doses.
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