Premature infants, those born with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), patients under 2 years of age with severe asthma, and infants and young children with heart disease, are especially prone to serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). To prevent RSV infection and complications, Sutter Children's Center encourages all parents to have at-risk infants and children immunized with Synagis, a monthly injection that effectively neutralizes RSV. Shots are given once per month from fall to spring, the most active months for RSV.

Parents of infants discharged from the Special Care Nursery receive education about the dangers of RSV and referral to a clinic that offers Synagis shots. Parents can also take their children to their regular pediatrician each month to receive the injection. To remind parents of the importance of protecting infants against RSV, the Special Care Nursery sends a follow-up letter to parents and their pediatrician at the beginning of the RSV season.

Outpatient services provide care to children with medical conditions that require ongoing treatment, education and support. For information on our outpatient special care services, visit the Special Care Nursery Development Follow-Up Clinic page.

To find out more about Synagis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), please visit our health information section.

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