Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Immunization Info
Hello NSP families and friends!
We hope you've had an enjoyable summer and are easing into back-to-school season. While we are all looking forward to our kids getting back to learning, we know this will bring the inevitable - all the school germs, ugh! Our families often ask us how to best prevent their kids from getting sick – and we have a great answer – get vaccinated!

As you know, vaccinations are a critical way to give our immune system a "heads up" to prepare for bad germs. We recommend all eligible infants and children receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. All infants 8 months and under should also receive Beyfortus (Nirsevimab), the RSV-preventative monoclonal antibody immunization. We know there is a lot of information out there about these immunizations. We put it all together into an easy-to-read summary and graph detailing eligibility, age requirements and dosage schedules for each immunization!
| Immunization | Age | Special notes | Anticipated NSP start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza | All kids 6 months and older | Kids 8 years and younger require 2 flu shots the first season they get vaccinated | Early September |
| COVID-19 | All kids 6 months and older | Kids 4 years and younger require 2 COVID-19 shots the first season they get vaccinated | Early September |
| RSV | All infants 8 months and younger | Not needed if mom was vaccinated for RSV during pregnancy | October 1 |
For influenza, we recommend annual influenza vaccination for all kids 6 months and older. If your child is less than 8 years old and is receiving their first flu vaccine or has not received two doses of flu vaccine in the past, they will need one additional flu booster dose a month later to be fully protected this season. To ensure full protection before flu season starts, we recommend getting your flu vaccinations no later than October 31st. Again, this year, we will offer both injectable and Flumist nasal spray vaccines.
For COVID-19, we recommend all kids 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Children 4 years and younger require two COVID-19 shots the first season they get vaccinated. We will only be offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at our office this year. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can now be mixed and matched. Like the flu vaccine, a new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made with the most up to date serotypes added, which will be available in early fall. This is when we will start offering it again in our offices.
For RSV, we recommend Beyfortus (or nirsevimab) for all infants and select children during RSV season, which is October 1st through March 31st. Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody given as a single dose injection at the start of RSV season and will provide babies with antibodies to fight against RSV throughout the full season. Beyfortus is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months of age by the start of RSV season, which is Oct 1st. Rarely, very medically complex children ages 8 months through 19 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season may be eligible to receive a 2nd Beyfortus injection. Please reach out if you think your medically complex child is eligible.
As you can see, there are lots of ways to protect your family from these upcoming illnesses. To quote George Washington (nope...wasn't Kirby Smart or Nick Saban), "The best defense is a good offense." We are excited to help you get your defensive plan in place for the fall!
Sincerely,

Northside Pediatrics’ Providers
