Ministry of Health introduces RSV vaccine for pregnant people in Argentina, reducing risk for severe disease in babies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common disease that affects the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. In older children and adolescents, RSV can manifest itself mildly, causing cold-like symptoms. However, in babies and children under 5 years of age, although the disease may present mildly, it can be very serious, causing acute lower respiratory infections, called “SARI”. Among these, the most common is bronchiolitis, which consists of inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and lungs.

RSV is the main cause of the increase in hospitalizations, with possible complications requiring critical care, in addition to generating a high level of outpatient consultations during the fall and winter months, although cases have been observed during other times of the year.

That is why, as of January 1, 2024, the Ministry of Health will include the vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the National Vaccination Calendar for pregnant people, with resolution number 4218.

This measure was made official on December 18 by publication in the Official Gazette, after the authorization of the vaccine by the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT). The vaccine will be free and mandatory for all people who are in the gestational period between weeks 32 to 36.

The resolution highlights that this measure will protect the baby, through the transplacental transfer of antibodies, with a strong immune response. Clinical trials showed that administering this vaccine to pregnant people reduces the risk of RSV infection and hospitalization of their babies by more than 57% during the first six months after birth with an efficacy against severe disease of 81.8% at 80 days.

Over the past decade, the significant burden of respiratory syncytial virus has been increasingly recognized globally. RSV is the second leading cause of infant mortality after the neonatal period, with more than 99% of infant deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

“The use of this vaccine is recommended seasonally, from March to June in Argentina along with the other calendar vaccines, such as vaccination against Influenza,” says Dr. Laura Pulido (MN 127115), coordinator of the Section of Infectious Diseases of the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine.

Who is most susceptible to developing severe cases of RSV?

• Premature babies born considerably before their due date.
• Low weight babies, especially those 6 months of age or younger.
• Children under 2 years of age with long-term chronic lung conditions, or with congenital heart disease, that is, a heart condition present from birth.
• Children with an altered immune system, which is responsible for fighting germs and diseases in the body.
• Children with neuromuscular diseases, which affect the coordination between the nervous system and muscles, including those who have difficulty swallowing or expelling mucus independently.

2023-12-27 00:01:58
#Bronchiolitis #mandatory #vaccine #pregnant #people