GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas ? Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is now offering the new Beyfortus RSV immunization on a limited basis through the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program.

TVFC provides free and low-cost vaccination to uninsured and underinsured children from birth to 18 years of age. GCHD will offer Beyfortus to eligible newborns and infants aged 8 to 19 months of age ? the recommended age group due to increased risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization.

The TVFC program requires screening to qualify for free and low-cost vaccinations. More information, including eligibility requirements, can be found at www.gchd.org.

Insured residents in the appropriate age groups of newborns and infants aged 8 to 19 months, and older adults aged 60 years and over can receive their RSV immunization through their medical provider or for older adults, at the local pharmacy, such as CVS or Walgreens.

Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, is a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms similar to the common cold such as runny nose and cough. Oftentimes, symptoms will resolve on their own, however the cough can progressively worsen to include wheezing and difficulty breathing, causing severe illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia requiring hospitalization.

RSV can be prevented through preventive measures including handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces of the droplets containing germs. Pregnant women can also receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Beyfortus immunization for the TVFC program is available at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, in Texas City from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Walk-ins are welcome and insurance not required.??