Universal immunization of newborns against RSV could significantly reduce infant hospitalizations in EU

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 immunization of newborns against RSV could substantially reduce hospitalizations 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 immunization of newborns against RSV can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to respiratory infections in young children by more than half.’

The models assessed the potential of providing vaccination to expectant mothers or immunizing infants directly with antibodies. Assuming 90% of newborns are immunized with long-acting monoclonal antibodies at birth, models project that 61% of RSV-related hospitalizations 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 hospitalization among infants in the first two months of life (52%).

As Europe enters the fall and winter months, RSV, influenza and other respiratory infections can put children at risk of serious illness, while also placing additional pressure on health care systems across the region. This makes it all the more important to ensure that newborns are immunized against RSV.

Provided by
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

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