Synagis, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information
(UPDATED October 30th, 2009)
Presbyterian Health Plan and Presbyterian Home Healthcare Statewide Network are once again collaborating to provide a coordinated Synagis program for PHP members. Synagis is administered by intramuscular injection approximately every 28-30 days to qualified children 24 months and younger.
The Presbyterian Synagis Program will begin on November 15, 2009 with the first injections scheduled for November 17, 2009. The criteria for admission to the program has been changed to reflect the new American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book Committee recommendations. The patient must meet one of the following:
- Less than 24 months old (as of November 15) and with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease requiring oxygen or cardiac medications in the last 6 months. (Maximum of 5 doses)
- Less than 24 months old (as of November 15) and with chronic lung disease of prematurity requiring oxygen or pulmonary medications in the last 6 months. (Maximum of 5 doses)
- Less than 24 months old (as of November 15) with severe immunodeficiency (e.g. severe combined immunodeficiency, severe acquired immunodeficiency.) (Maximum of 5 doses)
- Less than 24 months old (as of November 15) with congenital abnormalities of airways or neuromuscular disease. (Maximum of 5 doses)
- Born at or before 28 weeks 6 days gestation, up to 12 months of life (as of November 15). (Maximum of 5 doses)
- Born between 29 weeks 0 days and 31 weeks 6 days gestation, up to 6 months of life (as of November 15). (Maximum of 5 doses)
Born between 32 weeks 0 days and 34 weeks 6 days gestation, and with 1 or more risk factors (i.e. childcare attendance; one or more siblings under age 5 who live permanently in the same household), until 90 days of life (as of November 15). (Maximum of 3 doses)
All Synagis injections will be administered through Presbyterian Home Healthcare Statewide Network contracted home care agencies.
