In Spain, this respiratory virus causes more than 15,000 emergency room visits among children every year and is a leading cause of serious infections such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
The Department of Health and Social Services has purchased the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab, which will be administered in a similar manner to a vaccine, during an epidemic season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a respiratory disease that primarily affects young children. The single dose is available for children born between October 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, children born within 24 to 48 hours of birth, and children born from March 1, 2023 to the present.
To this end, technical staff from the Ministry of Health are holding talks with public and private health personnel responsible for the management of this antibody (paediatricians and DUE) to disseminate information on indications for use, manifestations and other relevant aspects. These talks are taking place between INGESA and private health practitioners.
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Until European authorities approve the new drug in October 2022, only palivizumab is available, an antibody authorized since 1999 that has been used to prevent pediatric patients at extremely high risk of severe disease. RSV in the population, but it requires monthly injections during RSV season, usually five doses administered intramuscularly. Taking into account the clinical manifestations of the disease, through the approval of Nirsevimab, which provides passive immunity against the virus, in addition to immunizing children, very favorable epidemiological effects can be achieved, such as delaying the age of acquisition of infection. Moderates with age.
Likewise, the Ministry of Health is calling on families of children born since April 1 this year who have not been vaccinated up to the time of this announcement to contact their health center to request information and make an appointment. : If they have social security, they should go to their health center, if they have a private mutual, they should go to their pediatrician’s office.
RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children under 1 year of age with serious complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. According to the Spanish Pediatric Association, it results in 15,000 to 20,000 pediatric emergency room visits, making it important for pediatricians to keep families updated on immunizations.