Synagis queations

goldenleaves

Hi! I'm not a Preemie mom but I figured I'd be able to get more info over here. My daughter qualifies for Synagis because of her heart defect and because she has Down syndrome. How many shots is it? Is it based on weight? Any more info?

KatFCo

I can't remember how many it is, but be warned, it burns. You'll need to prepare yourself for a very unhappy baby during it and it can be hard for moms to deal with sometimes.

lbeth888

My NICU told me it is once monthly during RSV season (Oct through April I believe). My LO did not qualify because he was greater than 31 weeks, 6 days gestation at birth (he was right at 32 weeks, so missed it by a day). They also asked whether he was going to be in daycare, if we have other children at home....that's about all I know. They used this info. to decide on the need. Hope that helps a little.

lemen99

Andrew got shots his first winter.  He qualified for one shot every month during RSV season in our state, Indiana.  That year, in 2009-2010, it happened to be 5 shots.  RSV season can vary though, and in some states it can even last all year round, so it depends. 

 I see you are in Michigan, so it'll probably be similar to Indiana's, which is usually Nov-April.  Sometimes October. 

Andrew had to get 2 injections at once (for each month's dose) because he was heavier, but weight in itself doesn't determine how many shots you qualify for, as far as I know.  It's more a question of a risk factor / healthy lungs.

jendb

They determin by weight, my boys weigh 21 and 25 lbs so the shot gets split into 3 shots at a time.  They started them in November and they get 5 months worth. 

Mrs. Alice

My guys have received it every month starting in September before they were discharged home.  We have one more shot in March and then we are done for the season.  Depending on your coverage and location she will probably only get 1 or 2 shots since we are nearing the end of the season.  The dosage is based on weight.  I haven't noticed any adverse effects after they get it, but they are pretty sleepy for a few hours after probably due to the trauma of getting the shot.

GeauxTigers82

I think the number of shots you qualify for depends on your baby's situation. The more "at risk" they are, the more shots they get. All three of my girls qualified for a different number of shots. My oldest was only able to get 2 shots (and the season was just starting) because she didn't have enough of the risk factors. The twins got more because they were born earlier, and they also had a sibling at home (another RF). This may vary from state to state, but I bet it depends mostly on your insurance. I do know it's very expensive and they have to order the medicine especially for your child (meaning they don't just keep it stocked in the office).

It is based on weight (almost every medicine dose in Pediatrics is based on weight).

The shot really didn't seem to bother my kids too much, but I'm sure every kid is different.

GatorNurse

My DD qualified bc she was 28 weeks & less than a certain birth weight, plus she's on O2 at home. Our Pedi called it the "positive synagis sign", lol.  

I will say its REDONK expensive & even thought our insurance covers it, we haven't met our deductible so without DD's secondary Medicaid, we would have paid $1400 this month & $2600 next month. Don't know how we'll afford it next year.  

Pips09

We started in November and will get our last one in March (5 total). She gets one shot each time.

goldenleaves

Thank you so much for the info!

crystaleyes39

My girls were 8 weeks early and have had 2 synagis shots. One in the NICU and then a month later. I believe they just do it during flu season, but I may be wrong.