In response to the global burden of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease among infants, WHO has recommended that all countries introduce either the maternal vaccine, RSVpreF, or the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, in order to protect infants from the severe effects of the infection.

The recommendations, outlined in WHO’s first-ever position paper on immunization against the respiratory illness, aim to curb the virus’s devastating impact, which claims approximately 100,000 lives and causes 3.6 million hospitalizations annually among children under five, with infants under six months at greatest risk.

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus, is a leading cause of severe respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where 97% of infant deaths related to the respiratory disease occur due to limited access to critical care such as oxygen and hydration.

“Each year RSV causes over 3.6 million hospitalizations and about 100 000 deaths in children under 5 years of age. Most paediatric RSV deaths (97%) occur in low- and middle-income countries where there is limited access to supportive medical care,” according to the WHO.

“RSV is an incredibly infectious virus that infects people of all ages, but is especially harmful to infants, particularly those born premature, when they are most vulnerable to severe disease,” says Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO.

Vaccines can protect against RSV:WHO

“The WHO-recommended RSV immunization products can transform the fight against severe RSV disease, dramatically reduce hospitalizations, and deaths, ultimately saving many infant lives globally,” she adds.

The WHO recommends administering the maternal vaccine, RSVpreF, to pregnant women from 28 weeks of gestation during their third trimester to transfer protective antibodies to their newborns, shielding them from the respiratory infection. This vaccine can be seamlessly integrated into routine antenatal care, given during one of the five WHO-recommended third-trimester visits or additional medical consultations, offering a practical approach to protect infants from birth in regions with high disease burden.

Additionally, WHO endorses nirsevimab, a single-dose monoclonal antibody injection, which provides rapid protection against the disease within a week and lasts at least five months, covering the typical respiratory infection prone seasons in many countries. It is recommended for infants at birth or before hospital discharge or during their first health visit, with the option for older infants to receive it before their first respiratory illness season in areas with seasonal patterns. While the greatest impact is seen in infants under six months, benefits extend to those up to 12 months, helping reduce severe illnesses.

The disease has a severe impact on low-income regions, where mild symptoms like cough and fever can quickly become deadly without proper care. With no cure for RSV, immunization is the best way to reduce its toll.

Also read: Fact Check: Does turmeric cause cancer due to lead chromate adulteration?

Do you have a health-related claim that you would like us to fact-check? Send it to us, and we will fact-check it for you! You can send it on WhatsApp at +91-9311223141, mail us at hello@firstcheck.in, or click here to submit it online.