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Immunization to prevent RSV in infants reduced ICU admissions by 97 per cent

A new immunization, nirsevimab, has been shown to provide strong protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants, reducing hospitalizations and ICU admissions by 97% and 79%, respectively. Most infants with RSV infection were otherwise healthy, highlighting the value of a universal approach to RSV prevention.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2026

Building your immunity: Tissue-resident immune cells defend human lungs from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections

A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

New study examines effectiveness of maternal RSV vaccination and nirsevimab in preventing and reducing severity of RSV-related illness in infants

A new study found that infants receiving maternal RSV vaccination or Nirsevimab after birth had significantly lower RSV infection rates and fewer severe complications. The study showed a high uptake of the vaccines among pregnant patients and newborns, leading to declining rates of RSV-related illnesses.

ACP advises all adults 75 or older get a protein subunit RSV vaccine

The American College of Physicians advises all adults aged 75 or older to receive a protein subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Adults aged 60-74 with comorbid conditions may also consider receiving the vaccine. The benefits outweigh the harms in this age group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 2, 2026

Differing immune responses in infants may explain increased severity of RSV over SARS-CoV-2

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found that infant immune systems respond very differently to RSV and SARS-CoV-2, with important treatment implications. Infants infected with RSV often develop severe symptoms due to low levels of systemic inflammation and a poorly coordinated early immune response.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Interim safety of RSVpreF vaccination during pregnancy

A recent study found that the RSVpreF vaccine does not pose a significant risk to pregnant women, providing reassurance for those who wish to be vaccinated. The interim report presents data from a large cohort of pregnancies with vaccine-seeking behavior, and results suggest no notable adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2026

Study: Adults face lasting effects months after RSV hospitalization

A new study found that adults hospitalized with RSV often struggle with breathlessness, reduced ability to perform everyday activities, and lower quality of life six to 12 months after their hospitalization. The study also showed that younger adults can experience serious RSV infections requiring hospitalization, similar to older adults.

SourceUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateDec 10, 2025

Study in Europe: monoclonal antibodies effectively prevent respiratory syncytial virus in infants

A European study found that long-acting monoclonal antibody immunisation effectively prevented hospitalisation due to RSV infection among children under two years old. The overall immunisation effectiveness was 79%, with a decline in protection over time, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2025

How does infection with respiratory syncytial virus affect the health of older adults?

A retrospective study found that older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced significantly longer hospital stays, transfers to intensive care, and 30-day mortality compared to patients with other conditions. Additionally, RSV hospitalization was associated with higher rates of heart failure and atrial fibrillation post-discharge.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 23, 2025

RSV infections in children requiring primary care lead to significant economic impact

Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs. The study found that the main sources of costs were repeated visits to primary care physicians and parents missing work to care for their sick children, with higher costs for infants under 1 year old.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2025

RSV hospitalization risk among older adults linked to age and certain risk conditions

A study found that RSV hospitalization rates increase progressively with age among older adults in Spain, with those over 85 years old facing the highest risk. Certain chronic conditions, such as blood cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular disease, also significantly increase the risk of hospitalization.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2025

People who are immunocompromised may not produce enough protective antibodies against RSV after vaccination

Researchers found that older adults with weakened immunity developed fewer antibodies against RSV following vaccination compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests that adjuvant-enhanced vaccines could improve immune responses in immunocompromised people, warranting further investigation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 30, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review provides insights into respiratory syncytial virus

Researchers provide comprehensive review of RSV's virology, clinical impact, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines to mitigate this critical health need. The review highlights RSV's severe impact on infants, children, and older adults, as well as its potential effects on multiple organs and systems.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 2024

RSV vaccination in older adults with health conditions is cost-effective

A new study found that RSV vaccination programs targeting older adults with underlying health conditions are more likely to be cost-effective than general age-based strategies. Vaccinating people aged 70 years and older with chronic medical conditions is likely to be cost-effective based on commonly used cost-effectiveness thresholds.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Scientists pinpoint new drug target for RSV

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a key biological pathway, the JAK/STAT pathway, that RSV suppresses and prevents immune system igniters from activating. This discovery provides a promising new target for therapeutic immune restoration and could lead to significant impact in treating RSV infections.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 19, 2024

Controlling respiratory syncytial virus: real life data from Luxembourg

Early data from Luxembourg's national immunisation campaign against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 2023 showed a decline in hospitalisations, especially among infants under six months old. The authors attributed this to the administration of a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, shortly after birth. Additionally, the mean age...

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

No increase in preventable illnesses, deaths in kids during pandemic, but delays in some diagnoses

Despite pandemic disruptions, emergency visits, hospital admissions, and intensive care unit stays were lower for children. However, there were delays in new diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, and an increase in diabetic ketoacidosis among children with diabetes. Researchers urge education campaigns to improve future pandemic preparedness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2024

Milestones in Europe: First results in using new tools to tackle respiratory syncytial virus

The European Union has approved vaccines for pregnant women and monoclonal antibodies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children. New sequencing tools have also been developed to track the genetic diversity of RSV and inform vaccine effectiveness and treatment strategies.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 2023