As the season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory diseases approaches, a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicates that universal immunisation of newborns against RSV could substantially reduce hospitalisations among infants linked to the disease during the winter season. Bruno Ciancio, ECDC Head of Unit, said:
‘Protecting infants from RSV in the first months of their life is particularly important, and we have a tool to do just that. Universal immunisation of newborns against RSV can reduce the risk of hospitalisation due to respiratory infections in young children by more than half.’
The models assessed the potential of providing vaccination to expectant mothers, or immunising infants directly with antibodies. Assuming 90% of newborns are immunised with long-acting monoclonal antibodies at birth, models project that 61% of RSV-related hospitalisations in infants can be prevented in the first two months of life. In the same assessment, ECDC estimates that universal vaccination of pregnant mothers would also lead to substantial reductions in RSV hospitalisation among infants in the first two months of life (52%).
As Europe enters the autumn and winter months, RSV, influenza and other respiratory infections can put children at risk of serious illness, while also placing additional pressure on healthcare systems across the region. This makes it all the more important to ensure that newborns are immunised against RSV.