New Belgian research highlights the significant impact of RSV immunisation in protecting young infants from severe respiratory illness.
According to recent findings, nirsevimab, an antibody-based immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), contributed to approximately 3,500 fewer hospital admissions among young children in Belgium last year. The findings come as the new RSV season is about to begin.
57% fewer intensive care admissions
A Belgian study presented this week found that RSV immunisation in young infants was associated with a 57% reduction in intensive care admissions. These findings further support the role of preventive strategies in reducing the burden of severe RSV disease among the youngest children.
Nirsevimab has been available in Belgium for the past two years and provides targeted protection against RSV during the period when infants are particularly vulnerable to severe infection.
Reaching more infants remains important
Paediatrician Marc Raes of Jessa Hospital Hasselt and UZ Leuven emphasises that there is still room to improve the reach of RSV prevention. The Belgian Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging parents of babies under six months of age, already born before the start of the season, to have their child immunised against RSV. Reaching this group more consistently could potentially prevent an additional 20% of hospital admissions among young infants.
As the RSV season approaches, increasing awareness and access to preventive measures will remain an important part of protecting infants from severe respiratory infections.
This article was originally published by VRT NWS (Dutch).
