A 3-month-old infant born at 28 weeks gestation is brought to the pediatrician during RSV season. The mother asks about prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Which intervention is indicated?
- A Live attenuated RSV vaccine
- B Ribavirin prophylaxis
- C Palivizumab prophylaxis ✓
- D Inactivated RSV vaccine
Correct answer: C. Palivizumab prophylaxis
Explanation
Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody against RSV F protein, indicated for passive immunoprophylaxis in high-risk infants, including those born before 32 weeks gestation or with chronic lung disease. It is administered monthly during RSV season. There is no licensed RSV vaccine for infants. Ribavirin is treatment, not prophylaxis, and is reserved for severe cases.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.