Synagis®: Alison's story about RSV | Thrive Advocate Parents

Alison's story
Son: Christopher
Gestational age at birth: 34 weeks

Being proactive helped Alison protect her baby.

After more than a month of strict bed rest at the hospital, Alison gave birth to Christopher at 34 weeks. Weighing 5 lbs 1 oz, Christopher had a short stay in the NICU to grow a bit more and stabilize his temperature. That's where Alison first learned about RSV and Synagis® from the neonatologist on staff.

"The doctors in the NICU weren't sure if my insurance would cover Synagis for Christopher. But I knew that RSV was serious enough to ask my pediatrician about it." Alison's pediatrician explained that many babies born at less than 36 weeks are at higher risk for severe RSV disease and should be eligible for Synagis.

Friends and family were an active part of the RSV protection plan.

Christopher received his first dose of Synagis in February 2002 and continued monthly shots through April 2002. But Alison's RSV protection plan didn't stop there. The whole family knew what they had to do to help protect Christopher from RSV. They did a lot of hand washing and disinfected everything that Christopher touched. Anyone with a cough, cold or allergies was not allowed in the house. And when friends came to visit, they were happy to just wave at Christopher through Alison's large picture windows.

Alison and Christopher made it through RSV season just fine, but Alison knows not everyone is so lucky. She joined Thrive to help educate people about the risks of RSV and to try to make sure that everyone that needs Synagis can get it. "I would like to do anything that might help."

Your child's results may vary.

Some names have been changed to protect patient confidentiality.

Find out more about insurance coverage and the appeals process.

Kim's story
"I educated my family about RSV, how it wasn't just another cold and what it could do to Brandon's lungs..."

Cheryl's story
"As a NICU nurse, I knew just how important each and every dose of Synagis was for Emily..."

Crista's story
"A lot of people think this RSV shot is like a flu shot. but you don't do it just once. You have to get it once a month..."

Alison's story
"The doctors in the NICU weren't sure if my insurance would cover Synagis for Christopher. But I knew that RSV was serious enough to ask my pediatrician about it..."

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Questions? You can reach us at 1-866-378-9600 or info@Thrive-Network.com.

How is Thrive funded?
The Thrive Network is exclusively funded by MedImmune and operated by Health Advocacy Strategies at MedImmune's direction.

Will I get paid to participate?
No, all of our activities are completely voluntary. Thrive members choose when and how they'd like to participate.

I know someone who might be interested in joining. How can they learn more?
Send friends and family an e-card inviting them to read about Thrive.

Important Safety Information

Synagis® (palivizumab) is indicated for the prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children at high risk of RSV disease. Synagis is given as a shot, usually in the thigh muscle, each month during the RSV season. The first dose of Synagis should be given before RSV season begins. Children who develop an RSV infection while receiving Synagis should continue the monthly dosing schedule throughout the season. Synagis has been used in more than one million children in the U.S. since its introduction in 1998.

Very rare cases (<1 per 100,000 patients) of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and rare (<1 per 1,000 patients) hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with Synagis. These rare reactions may occur when any dose of Synagis is given, not just the first one. Also, rare but serious side effects can occur, which may lead to unusual bruising and/or groups of pinpoint red spots found on the skin.

Other side effects with Synagis may include upper respiratory tract infection, ear infection, fever, and runny nose. In children born with heart problems, Synagis was associated with reports of low blood oxygen levels and abnormal heart rhythms. Synagis should not be used in patients with a history of a severe prior reaction to Synagis or its components. Side effects, such as, skin reactions around the area where the shot was given (like redness, swelling, warmth, or discomfort) can also occur.