Two out of three children are affected by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the first year of life. RSV causes an estimated 125,000 hospitalizations each year.

OSF Home Care Services has established a program to help treat these patients.

In cooperation with MedImmune, Inc. the manufacturer of Synagis, we are dedicating maternal/child nursing and pharmacy staff for the treatment of RSV in the home.

Our patients and their parents can combat these symptoms in familiar surroundings.

What is RSV?

RSV is found everywhere and is highly contagious. Approximately two-thirds of all infants are infected with RSV during the first year of life and almost 100 percent by the age of two.

Most of these RSV infections cause minor upper respiratory illness and cold-like symptoms. However, in infants and children, RSV may cause serious lower respiratory tract disease.

It has been estimated in some United States communities that between 50-80 percent of bronchiolitis hospitalizations from November through April are due to RSV disease.

Nationwide, it has been estimated that RSV infection causes 125,000 hospitalizations annually with a 2 percent mortality rate.

How Synagis Can Help

Synagis (palivizumab) if the first monoclonal antibody successfully developed to combat infectious disease. It is indicated for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in pediatric patients at high-risk of RSV disease.

Safety and efficacy were established in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or infants with a history of prematurity (less than 35 weeks gestational age). Synagis is approved by the FDA.

Synagis is administered as a monthly intramuscular (IM) injection during the RSV season, typically Fall through Spring. However, the season varies and OSF Home Care is prepared to meet your needs.

Who Administers Synagis?

Synagis is administered in your home by an OSF Home Care Services nurse. The nurse will administer a Synagis injection into your child's thigh.

Synagis injections will be given monthly beginning in October and running through the end of the RSV season into the Spring. It is important not to miss any injections.

Who Supplies Synagis?

OSF Home Care Services Home Infusion Pharmacy delivers Synagis monthly to your home. You will be given a courtesy call each month prior to delivery. Synagis vials need to be stored in the refrigerator until your nurse arrives to administer the medication.

How Can Your Child Receive Synagis?

Your doctor or care provider needs to evaluate your child to determine a medical necessity for Synagis. With your provider's referral, OSF Home Care can begin service.

Contact Us

Please call OSF Home Care Services at (800) 673-5288 with questions about the Synagis Program.