How and when the bronchiolitis vaccine will be given in newborns
The bronchiolitis is a respiratory disease It mainly affects babies and young children, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough, nasal congestion and fever. It is one of the main causes of hospitalization in infants during the winter months, and its prevention is essential for the health of the smallest ones. This autumnan important advance will be made in the fight against bronchiolitis, since the vaccine against this disease to newborns in several autonomous communities of Spain.
Bronchiolitis vaccine for babies starting in autumn
He respiratory syncytial virus (VRS) It is a pathogen that is of particular concern to parents of babies and young children. This virus is one of the main causes of infections in the lower respiratory tract, which can lead to serious diseases such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Not surprisingly, RSV has been responsible for many visits to children’s hospitals, and its effects are most noticeable during the winter months, with cases peaking in December and January.
The statistics are shocking: RSV infects 90% of babies under two years of age and it is the most common cause of hospitalization in children under six months of age, with an average stay of six days in the hospital. Young babies, premature babies, and those with underlying health problems, such as chronic lung problems, congenital heart disease, or immunosuppression, are at higher risk of developing serious complications from RSV infection. Even exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the risk of infection.
However, there is a ray of hope in preventing this disease: a new therapeutic weapon called “Beyfortus” (nirsevimab), developed by Sanofi and AstraZeneca, which has been authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Although it is not technically classified as a vaccine, but as a monoclonal antibody, Its ability to protect infants against RSV is promising. The introduction of nirsevimab marks an important milestone in the fight against bronchiolitis.
The autonomous communities that will apply the bronchiolitis vaccine
Thus, This fall, several autonomous communities in Spain have taken significant measures to protect babies against RSV, incorporating the administration of nirsevimab into their childhood vaccination schedule. Below is a summary of the autonomous communities who have decided to implement this prevention measure:
Galicia
Galicia was a pioneer by announcing in March that starting in the fall of 2023 it would include the RSV vaccine in its vaccination schedule. The campaign began on September 25, and all newborns in the community will receive the dose of nirsevimab during your hospitalization. Premature babies born since October 1, 2021 and those under two years of age at risk due to medical conditions will also be immunized.
Madrid
The Community of Madrid will begin its vaccination campaign on October 1, aimed at babies up to six months old. The vaccine will be administered in maternity hospitals and five hospitals in the region. With 3,685 hospital admissions in children under one year of age and 300 in pediatric intensive care units during the previous season, vaccination is essential to reduce the burden of respiratory diseases.
Andalusia
Andalusia began immunizing healthy babies against bronchiolitis children under six months from September 25, 2023. Additionally, premature babies and children under two years old with high-risk conditions, such as congenital heart disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and more, will be vaccinated.
Catalonia
In Catalonia, immunization against RSV will begin in October, aimed at babies up to six months. Administration of nirsevimab will take place in primary care centers in October and, if necessary, in the following months until March. The measure seeks to reduce the high incidence of bronchiolitis during flu season.
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community will implement its first immunization campaign against RSV, aimed at children under two years of age with risk pathologies and all babies born between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, which represents approximately 35,000 children. Vaccination will be carried out in maternity hospitals before discharge.
The rest of the Autonomous Communities
Other autonomous communities, such as Aragon, Murcia, Asturias, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Balearic Islands, La Rioja, Navarra and the Basque Countryhave also joined the initiative to immunize babies and young children against RSV during the virus circulation season starting in October.
2023-09-27 06:00:00
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