Beyfortus, an antibody treatment against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — a virus known to cause more severe illness than typical cough and cold viruses — was approved in Singapore in November 2024 and is now available. Should you get it for your newborn?
Beyfortus is administered as a single-dose antibody injection for infants (some high-risk children may receive a second dose around age 1). It was approved in Europe in November 2022 and in the United States in July 2023. In Singapore, HSA has approved Beyfortus for neonates and infants during their first RSV season. A local group of medical experts recently published an expert consensus recommending RSV immunization for all infants in Singapore (see link below).
Risks of RSV
What are the risks of RSV? About 1–2% of children who get RSV may require hospitalization. Fortunately, 99% of those hospitalized recover well, with oxygen being the primary treatment. That said, the illness can be serious: roughly 1 in 5 hospitalized children need intensive care, and about 1 in 20 require mechanical ventilation (a breathing tube).
The highest risk group includes infants under 2 months old. It is very rare for children over 5 years of age to be hospitalized for RSV. Most hospital admissions occur in children under 18 months — likely around 75% are younger than 6 months. Premature infants are also at greater risk of RSV infection and its complications.
Effectiveness of Beyfortus
Beyfortus is effective — it reduces the risk of hospitalization from RSV by more than 80%. That sounds impressive, but context matters. If a child had a 1 in 100 chance of hospitalization, Beyfortus reduces that to about 1 in 300. So, while the risk was already low, it becomes even lower.
In a key 2023 study, only 1% of children who received Beyfortus were hospitalized with RSV by age 2. Among those who did not receive the antibody, the rate was 3%. The most significant benefit was seen in infants under 2 months old.
Will it prevent death from RSV? That is still unknown. Because RSV-related deaths are extremely rare, it will take years of data to determine any impact on mortality.
Also, Beyfortus only protects against RSV, not bronchiolitis caused by other viruses. While RSV tends to be more severe, other common cold viruses can also lead to bronchiolitis. The prevalence of each virus can vary by season and region, and about one-third of bronchiolitis admissions are caused by non-RSV viruses.
Beyfortus is an antibody injection, not a traditional vaccine. Protection is conferred almost immediately and is known to cover at least one RSV season (about 5 months); protection then wanes. In other words, a dose administered to an infant will not protect beyond their first year of life.
A Note on Abryvso
Is Beyfortus recommended?
Would I recommend Beyfortus for newborns? Yes, it is safe and effective. The vaccine is expensive, priced at around SGD 700 per dose. The protection it offers works for the critical first year of life. As Singapore does not have a winter season, Beyfortus can be given at any time of year.
Note: Beyfortus is not part of the NCIS/NAIS and not on the MOH Subsidised Vaccine List at this time; therefore no MOH subsidy applies. Families should check with their insurer/clinic on fees.
Why Choose Little Haven Family Clinic?
At Little Haven Family Clinic, we understand that children’s health needs vary and so do family dynamics. That’s why we offer:
- PaedsENGAGE GP
- A convenient family-friendly location, at City Square Mall
- A CHAS and Baby Bonus Clinic
- Care for entire family, from newborns to the elderly
📍 Find us at City Square Mall — family-friendly, centrally located, and open on Saturdays for your convenience. Book an appointment with us here.
