Montana – New health data shows that Montana has become one of the leading states in the nation when it comes to protecting infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV. Medical professionals in Billings say the improvement is the result of strong education efforts and wider access to new RSV protection tools that were not available just a few years ago.
RSV is a highly contagious virus and remains one of the most common reasons babies are hospitalized during their first year of life. The virus can move quickly through small airways, making it especially dangerous for infants whose lungs are still developing.
Doctors explain why RSV is so dangerous for babies
Dr. Evan Romrell, a pediatric hospitalist with Intermountain Health, explained how RSV affects young children.
“What that causes is a pretty exaggerated inflammatory response…a lot of swelling, edema…ultimately those little tiny airways in these babies get clogged, obstruct, and then they progressively have more and more difficulty breathing, and that’s what eventually lands them in the hospital,” said Romrell.
Doctors say the biggest concern is not just short hospital stays, but the severe cases that require intensive care. According to data from Intermountain Children’s Health, infants who receive RSV protection are nine times less likely to be hospitalized and five times less likely to end up in intensive care if they do get sick.
“Severe illness is not just hospitalization, but what we really worry about is those kids who are vulnerable and who eventually land in the ICU needing intubation, a big long hospital course that can get pretty bad…even result in death. And so those are the things we’re trying to prevent,” said Romrell.
New protection options make a major difference
A major shift came during the 2024–25 RSV season, when monoclonal antibody treatments became widely available. These treatments act like vaccines by giving the immune system ready-made protection against the virus.
Expectant mothers in their third trimester now have the option to receive an RSV vaccine that passes protective antibodies to their babies before birth, sometimes as early as two weeks before delivery. Babies who are not protected during pregnancy can still receive the antibody treatment after birth, either before leaving the hospital or during well-child visits up to eight months of age.
Nurses say education plays a key role in helping parents feel confident about these choices. Tina Benson, a postpartum discharge nurse at Intermountain Health, described how those conversations happen.
“Our pediatricians make rounds every day to see all the babies on our unit and they will offer that injection to the babies and talk through the education – well, not to the babies, but to the parents – and offer the education regarding what the benefits are and how all of that works, and we’re able to give that to you before you go home, if you’d like to do that,” said Benson.
For many new parents, this guidance brings relief during an already stressful time.
“It makes me feel good to be able to offer this to parents and just give them some peace of mind, and another option that – you know, we didn’t have five years ago – to consider for the health of their baby,” said Benson.
Montana sees strong results after expanding outreach
Intermountain Health reports that lack of awareness was one of the first obstacles. Many families simply did not know RSV protection options existed. After expanding education, improving access, and offering protection earlier, Montana now ranks among the top six states in the nation for infant RSV protection.
Doctors say the results are clear. Fewer babies are being hospitalized, fewer families are facing long ICU stays, and infants are starting life healthier and safer.
RSV season usually runs from fall through early spring, which is why doctors encourage parents to plan ahead. Health experts advise families to speak with their pediatrician or OB-GYN to decide whether protection during pregnancy or after birth is the best option for their situation.
Medical leaders say Montana’s success shows how education, early action, and access to care can work together to protect the state’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.
