Child’s Age Gestational Age Health or Social Conditions

Respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants in the United States. Most children are infected with RSV during their first year of life; virtually all are infected at least once by their second birthday. Up to 3 % of infants are hospitalized with RSV. The hospitalization rate is higher for certain risk groups, such as premature infants and infants with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, and Alaska Native children in Western Alaska.1,2 Palivizumab (Synagis®) is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization in certain high-risk children.1,3 The American Academy of Pediatrics has established eligibility criteria for palivizumab prophylaxis in high-risk children (Table 1).1,2 In most areas of the United States, initiation of monthly palivizumab in November and continuation for up to five monthly doses is recommended for qualifying children.1,