Prevention of Bronchiolitis: free vaccine in birth centers in the Padua area

What is the invisible enemy that threatens the health of our newborns during the colder months? The respiratory syncytial virus (VRS) is a sneaky adversary, responsible for serious respiratory infections in children under one year of age. To counter this threat, the Padua region has launched a free immunization campaign in the birth pointsoffering an effective weapon: a monoclonal antibody.

The campaign, coordinated by Prevention Department dell’ULSS 6 Euganeaaims to protect newborns from bronchiolitisa condition that can lead to respiratory complications significant. In the birth points Of Camposampiero, Citadel, Monselice (Schiavonia), AOPD and at accredited private facilities, parents of newborns will receive the proposal to immunize their children with it monoclonal antibody. The administration takes place directly in the hospital, immediately after birth, while i paediatricians of free choice they will take care of children born between January and October 2024.
Il Hygiene and Public Health Service dell’ULSS 6 Euganea has the task of distributing the doses of monoclonal antibody to hospital facilities and pediatrician clinics participating in the program. “The respiratory syncytial virus represents the main reason for hospitalization for respiratory disease in children under one year of age”, explains the Dr. Luca Sbrogiodirector of Prevention Department. “Thanks to this antibody, we can avoid up to 90% of hospitalizations caused by the virus.”

The Dr. Lorena Gottardelloresponsible for UOS Infectious Diseases and Vaccinationshighlights the importance of protecting newborns during their first winter, the period in which the virus is most widespread, from October to March. The administration ofmonoclonal antibody occurs with a single injection, guaranteeing protection for the entire winter season.
Globally, theWorld Health Organization estimates that the acute lower respiratory tract infections in children under five are responsible for over 3 million hospitalizations and more than 100,000 deaths each year. Even in Italy, the VRS is the main pathogen of bronchiolitisa leading cause of death and hospitalization among respiratory infections in children under one year of age.

In Italy, a surveillance system monitors the trend of infections from VRS. In Venetoan increase in the hospital admissions linked to this virus, especially moles small children. The immunization campaign in the Padua area represents a significant step in protecting the most vulnerable, guaranteeing them a safer start in life.