Every year in France, nearly a third of infants under 2 years old suffer from bronchiolitis due to a highly contagious respiratory virus called “respiratory syncytial virus”. In 2 to 3% of cases, this respiratory infection requires hospitalization or even a stay in intensive care. Hence the importance of prevent as much as possible severe forms of bronchiolitis in infantsThe High Authority of Health has just published a document for parents whose child is due to be born between October 2024 and February 2025 to help them choose between maternal vaccination during pregnancy ornewborn immunization.
Bronchiolitis: a respiratory infection that can sometimes be serious in infants
Responsible for breathing difficulties, the Bronchiolitis refers to an acute viral infection bronchiolitis due to a highly contagious respiratory virus, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each year in France, it is estimated that nearly a third of infants under 2 years of age suffer from bronchiolitis during epidemic periods (between autumn and the end of winter).
It is usually a benign condition, but it can become potentially serious in children at risk such as newborns or premature babies. In 2 to 3% of cases, this respiratory infection requires hospitalization (80% of hospitalized babies are under 6 months old), or even a stay in intensive care.
Please note! Although children over 2 years old and adults are not at risk of developing a serious form of bronchiolitis, they can nevertheless transmit the virus after being contaminated.
Hence the importance of prevent as much as possible severe forms of bronchiolitis in infants to be born during an epidemic. For this, two options are possible:
- Vaccination of the mother during pregnancy.
- Or immunizing the baby before exposure to the virus using preventive treatment based on monoclonal antibodies.
Read also – Bronchiolitis (respiratory syncytial virus)
Two possible options to protect the infant against bronchiolitis
The High Authority for Health has just published a document for parents whose child is due to be born between October 2024 and February 2025 to help them choose between maternal vaccination during pregnancy or newborn immunization.
The first option is to Maternal vaccination at 8e month of pregnancy thanks to a vaccine against RSV: the Abrysvo vaccine. Once vaccinated, the pregnant woman will produce antibodies directed against RSV which will be transmitted to her baby via the placenta. The child will thus be protected from birth and for the first 3 months. Then between 3 and 6 months of life, the protection will decrease. This vaccine is delivered without advance payment at the maternity ward. It is also available in city pharmacies at a price of €196.10, fully covered by Maternity Insurance.
Please note! It is recommended to wait 14 days between the bronchiolitis vaccination and the whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy. The other vaccines (against Covid-19 and seasonal flu) can be administered at the same time.
The second option is to administration of preventive medication at birth of the baby, usually before leaving the maternity ward. This is a monoclonal antibody directed specifically against RSV and called Beyfortus. This medication provides rapid protection against the virus, maximum 6 days after the injection and supposed to last at least 5 months. This medication is dispensed without advance payment at the maternity ward. It is also available in city pharmacies at a price of €401.8, reimbursable at 30% by Health Insurance.
Please note! According to the High Authority of Health, it is preferable for pregnant women who are immunocompromised to turn to the second option: injecting Beyfortus into the baby.
Read also – Respiratory infections in the elderly: a new vaccine soon to be reimbursed?
Which option to choose?
To date, It is not scientifically possible to favor one option over another. because no study has yet been conducted to compare them. It is therefore essentially the personal preference of the parents which will motivate their choice, in consultation with the doctor or midwife.
In any case, it is important to know that protecting your baby against bronchiolitis is not mandatory. Some parents will therefore prefer to stick to adopting barrier measures that remain essential to limit the transmission of the virus:
- Wash your hands before approaching the infant.
- Ventilate the baby’s room and keep the temperature no higher than 19°C.
- Frequently clean all objects in contact with the infant (toys, pacifiers, bottles).
- Wear a surgical mask if you have a cold or cough.
- Avoid contact with people with colds or public or smoky places.
Read also – Winter viruses: What key actions can you take to protect yourself?
Deborah L., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– VRS: maternal vaccination or infant immunization? HAS publishes a document to help parents. High Authority of Health. www.has-sante.fr. Accessed September 11, 2024.
