Vaccine developed to protect babies against syncytial virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the introduction of a vaccine and a monoclonal antibody to protect infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in children.

The highly infectious RSV is responsible for an estimated 100,000 deaths—half of which are infants under six months old—and more than 3.6 million hospitalizations annually in children under five.

The proposal includes a vaccine for pregnant women starting at week 28, to transfer antibodies to their babies; or a long-acting monoclonal antibody that can be administered to newborns or infants—up to twelve months, although it has a greater impact before six months—in the period leading up to the virus's circulation season.

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, which serves as an independent advisory body to the WHO Secretary-General, previously approved both products for global use.

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The maternal vaccine should be administered during the third trimester of pregnancy, ideally during routine prenatal visits, to maximize protection for the newborn during the first months of life.

The monoclonal antibody is administered in a single dose at birth or during the first medical visit, providing protection for at least five months, i.e., almost the entire viral season in countries with defined seasonality.

97% of all cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to supportive medical care, such as oxygen or hydration, is limited, recalled the WHO.

This virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in premature babies, young children, and older adults with weakened immune systems.

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AO