The Balearic Islands will receive purchased respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization vaccines this week and, starting next week, will distribute the vaccine to all babies born between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024 They will be protected from bronchiolitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
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The Balearic Islands are investing €1.9 million to extend this immunization to all newborns for the first time, regardless of whether they have risk factors. Expanding RSV immunization to all babies in the Islands is one of the first decisions of the current government.
To date, the RSV vaccine (which causes 80% of bronchiolitis cases) has only been given to high-risk infants (those born prematurely under 35 weeks, immunosuppressed or with respiratory or heart disease, or those with serious illness under 24 weeks) . ).
RSV circulation season
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which typically circulates between October and March, is an infectious pathogen that primarily affects infants under one year of age and is often the leading cause of respiratory infections, particularly associated with bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
In July last year, the National Health Commission approved the implementation of universal immunization with the monoclonal antibody nirumab for all underage infants born from April 2023. It is up to each autonomous region to choose whether to immunize the entire population and whether to be vaccinated. Organization of the event: scope, dates and immunization points according to your plans and financial situation.
The previous executive avoided making the decision, leaving it to the new government team, which opted for universal immunization only assumed his responsibility and delayed the start of the national movement
Risk immunity from October
The purchase of the first batch of Nirsevimab was then urgently expedited to protect babies with dangerous diseases who have been immunized in hospitals since October.. Starting next week, this immunization will be extended to all babies born between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
RSV infection causes health care overload in primary care and emergency departments each year and is the cause of significant hospitalizations in ICUs and inpatient units.
Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody administered as a vaccine that provides protection for at least five months in a single dose. When the antibodies are given directly to the baby, the newborn or the mother’s immune system is not dependent on the immune system for protection, and the effect occurs immediately after administration.
Nirsevimab has been shown to be highly effective Prevent infection and reduce the severity of respiratory infections, More than 80% of infant hospitalizations due to RSV can be avoided. Additionally, due to its mechanism of action, it does not interfere with any vaccines on the schedule and can be administered simultaneously.
Administering nirsevimab to neonates will occur at the same hospital where they were born prior to discharge. For babies born on or after April 1, vaccinations will be given at health centres.